I have often thought that an A-B-C comparison of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam would be an interesting read; especially in these times. This book isn't that, but the A-B-C-D column comparison format of the teachings of these religeous icons seemed ideal for presenting a quick understanding. Well, some things just can't be simplified, like "what's the meaning of life." Have you ever listened to a Reading or a Gospel in church, and went, "Huh"? Just like Jesus, who taught in parables and metaphors, so do the others (with good reason as Hooper explains). Fortunately, Hooper saves the day by clarifying the overarching issues for each chapter. It then becomes easier to stretch your imagination to see the common threads between the four teachings.
Don't expect this to be a quick read - it is intended to be thought provoking and contemplative. I personally loved the 27-page introduction which left me starving for more. I just need to take the book a chapter at a time and savour it. The book is a readable intellectual work covering a complex subject. Hooper has gone a long way to de-mystifying some stuff that I'm sure still baffles religeous scholars. Hooper also inserts a few provocative surprises - atta boy!, shake things up a bit.