What is the Christian view on reading other Holy books?

[kick333]

Is it OK for a Christian to read other religions' Holy books?

Up until a few months ago, I wouldn't have even asked this question. I would have assumed "of course it's OK". But I've done things I thought were OK in the past, and now realise were wrong - like burning joss sticks in front of idols.

The only Holy book I've read before the bible is an English translation the Tao Te Ching, which I found quite interesting in places, but also quite dark and almost dangerous in others. It certainly didn't touch me like the bible has.

I'd also like to read the Qu'ran (because I have a Muslim friend) and the Book of Mormon (because I had a friend in the LDS church).

[RheaB]

Hi there,
I found your question interesting, and am answering according to my belief on the subject.

To start with perhaps we need to identify just what the Bible is. The Bible is unique among “Holy Books;” it is rooted in and intertwined with actual human history. The Bible is actually a collection of books, some long, some short. This book of books is the world’s all-time best seller and the world’s most translated book. It is “the word of God.” It records the interaction of God with historical people and nations. It reveals the meaning of life and the responsibility of human beings to their Creator.The Bible is also know as the Living Word" as you mentioned it has touched you in a unique way.

In the Bible there are extensive prophecies dealing with individual nations and cities and with the course of history in general, all of which have been literally fulfilled. More than 300 prophecies were fulfilled by Christ Himself at His first coming. Other prophecies deal with the spread of Christianity, as well as various false religions, and many other subjects.There is no other book, ancient or modern, like this. The vague, and usually erroneous, prophecies of people like Jeanne Dixon, Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, and others like them are not in the same category at all, and neither are other religious books such as the Koran, the Confucian Analects, and similar religious writings. Only the Bible manifests this remarkable prophetic evidence, and it does so on such a tremendous scale as to render completely absurd any explanation other than divine revelation.

I would suggest for you to immerse yourself in a easy to read translation of the Holy Bible such as the "New King James", NIV, Cev. If you do not have one available go to your local library to check out one or stop at a near by church, I am sure they have one to give you. Read the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, you may be very familiar with these first four books of the New Testament, but they will re-affirm your faith and will show God's complete love for mankind in John 3:16. This is the difference from all other faiths, GOD LOVES MAN, He wants fellowship with us, and He DID THE SACRIFICING for us (not the other way around) to give us salvation when He sent His son, Jesus, to die and pay the price for our sin on the cross. No other, so claimed, God loves His people, and wants their best, or sacrifices for them.

So the question, is it wrong to read of other religions? No, not wrong, if you read from curiosity, to see how others worship false God's, though it may confuse you if you are not strong in your faith. But it is futile if you are reading about other beliefs while trying to find, peace, salvation, blessings, God's touch on your life, guidance, a savior, or a God who loves you and wants the best for you eternally.
Only the one true God will speak to you though His Bible and bless you and answer your prayers as you seek His will for your life. For me it is the only thing to read and the only way to live. I learn something that touches me in a special way every day when I read my Bible, it never grows old. God bless you in your Christian journey and the reading choices you make.
Praying for you,
Rhea