Smith is very clear to lay out his purpose for this boko in the introduction: "This is a book about values." Smith likens his book to a music appreciation course where the "bad music" is ignored in order to more closely consider the good. I thinnk this is an excellent approach as it casts religions in the best light possible. It is an "inspirational" book by Smith's choice to give us the best of each faith. Smith himself is an expert in the subject matter. I had the honor of participating in an Interfaith Conference with him once and the depth of his knowledge, combined with his compassionate approach to each faith made for a phenomenal weekend.
That being said, I would suggest this book as a supplement to the many "studies" on the market. As a world religions professor, I make a point to assign Smith's book alongside a more "scientific" study. Where the other book offers the "mind" of the religion, Smith offers the "heart." I would not suggest Smith as a stand-alone for serious students of religion. It is, however, an excellent introduction for those who wish to see other religions as they (presumably) see their own: as sources to uplift and encourage the beliver.Get more detail about The World's Religions, Revised and Updated.
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