Cantwell Smith's rare gifts shine through this remarkable book, which should be a must read for all serious students of religion.

I believe I now know faith and I have faith that I now know belief. I left the book a little exhausted. It is not an easy read to me. It didn't seem to flow. I will refer back to it. I am in admiration of the work that was invested in this effort. It is an excellent resource for the student exploring human spirituality and religion.

Smith argues from moral and theological grounds that there is a need to develop a world community which accepts all traditions as functioning means of knowing God. As a Christian inclusivist, my thoughts are somewhat different; but Smith does raise some questions which demand serious consideration. The first part of the book attempts to provide some insight into the inner life of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Chinese religous practice; but is largely unsuccesful to my own perception.

Probably the most serious challenge Smith raises against traditional Christian particularism is the epistemological question, concerning other men's "damnation": "How do you know?"