Mathew P. John - The Unknown God: A Journey with Jesus from East to West

What people are saying about

How can the world religions be so drastically different and yet also uncannily similar and possibly related? Isnt it incomprehensible that the great faiths are both strikingly contrasting but also remarkably overlapping and even convergent? Might these paradoxical observations be resolved because Jesus is both the unavoidable stumbling block that sets Christianity apart but yet perhaps also the one way that somehow they all point to? The Unknown God invites readers on a journey to consider these questions in light of a gospel that challenges, even as it opens up conversation with, people in other faiths.

Dr. Amos Yong, Dean, School of Theology and School of Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary

Author Eugene Petersen observed that we have two mental operations that work in tandemexplanation and imagination. And hardly anything grips our imagination as a well-written story, inviting us to enter the story and play our part in the unfolding drama. What an exciting way to learn about an otherwise ho-hum topicworld religions. Read and enter.

Rev. Sunder Krishnan, Rexdale Alliance, Toronto, Author: The Conquest of Inner Space

God is bigger than our boxes! Firmly planted in Jesus claims of exclusivity for salvation, Mathew discovers Gods redemptive grace lurking in the dark and hidden corners of different religions. The Unknown God will confirm and stretch your beliefs at the same time.

Dr. Craig Sider, President, New York City Leadership

This book is a generous, thoughtful, nuanced, and compelling exploration of six faith traditions and their views of Jesus, written by a scholar who is himself a committed follower of Jesus. This is a book to share with your friends.

Dr. Richard Peace, Professor of Spiritual Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary, Author: Noticing God

The book, birthed out of personal experience and passion, is an excellent resource for all of us to understand our neighbours perspective and the gifts we all have to give one another. In a world where more compassion, respect, and understanding is so desperately needed, The Unknown God is a timely bridge in a sea of walls.

Christa Hesselink, Author: Lifes Great Dare: Risking It All for the Abundant Life

The Unknown God offers an incredible resource to people of all religious backgrounds, particularly Christians who are looking to understand world religions and how people can talk together in a respectful and thoughtful way about their beliefs. The authors breadth of knowledge, thoughtful insights, and conversational approach are a very rare combination and make it easy for people to grasp the beliefs of world religions, learn from each other, and also consider the life and message of Jesus in light of world religions. I highly recommend this book.

Tim Day, The City Movement, Author: God Enters Stage Left

The author dared to proclaim Christ as the way, the truth, and the life in a world culture that is not open to such claim He describes how other religions picture Christ and anybodynot just Israelcould have access to Father God, through Jesus Christ, and be His friends and children with all the promises and its benefits that come with faith in Christ, which is the only true way of Salvation.

Rev. Thomas Kutty, National Leader (Emeritus), The Foursquare Church in India

This book will lead you to your own personal encounters with Jesus, but in the process, will also help you discover the star that illuminates the path to that encounter!

Dr. Johnny Ramirez-Johnson, Professor of Anthropology, Fuller Theological Seminary

THE UNKNOWN GOD

Published by David C Cook

4050 Lee Vance Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80918 U.S.A.

Integrity Music Limited, a Division of David C Cook

Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2RE, England

The graphic circle C logo is a registered trademark of David C Cook.

All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts for review purposes,

no part of this book may be reproduced or used in any form

without written permission from the publisher.

The website addresses recommended throughout this book are offered as a resource to you. These websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of David C Cook, nor do we vouch for their content.

Details in some stories have been changed to protect the identities of the persons involved.

Christian Bible credits are located at the back of the book. The author mostly relies on his personal knowledge of ancient languages to translate the sacred scriptures of different religions. Since there are variant texts and multiple translations available, the quotes from the scriptures might appear similar to or different from any given source.

Library of Congress Control Number 2019948098

ISBN 978-0-8307-8074-7

eISBN 978-0-8307-8101-0

2020 Mathew P. John

First edition published under the title The Wise Men and the Unknown God 2017 Mathew P. John, published by Focus Infinity Press, ISBN 978-0-9867-0596-0.

The Team: Michael Covington, Jeff Gerke, Stephanie Bennett, Jon Middel, Megan Stengel, Susan Murdock

Cover Design: James Hershberger

Second Edition 2020

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To

Joanne

best friend,

fiercest critic,

and

one true love.