Oriental Religions and Christianity

A series of lectures delivered in 1891 to students at a New York theological seminary, this work explores how the great religions of the East intersect with Christian belief. Drawing on the many reliable English translations that had become available, the speaker focuses on practical questions that missionaries and ministers face today, rather than offering an exhaustive scholarly treatise. The tone is modest and conversational, citing respected authorities to illuminate the key points without demanding expertise in Sanskrit or Pali.

The lectures argue that Eastern faiths are no longer distant curiosities but active influences felt at the doors of Western society, demanding thoughtful Christian response. By comparing doctrines, rituals, and world‑views, the author highlights both the challenges they pose and the opportunities they present for sharing the Christian gospel. Listeners gain a clear picture of late‑19th‑century missionary thinking and a nuanced understanding of the cultural encounters shaping religious discourse at the time.