I once told a Christian friend of mine that I have been openly studying the Quran and Islamic faith for quite a while now. Of course, the initial reaction was shock, and my friend expressed concern that it would be damaging to my faith in God. Is there truly any benefit to learning other religions or can it only be detrimental to believers?

Aside from being a fan of various civic cultures and traditions from an aesthetic standpoint, I find it enjoyable to learn about other religions as a means of affirming my faith in God, and beneficial in building myself up as a believer who will bring glory to God and others to Christ. Let's put it this way: one cannot prove a water-proof watch to be effective unless it is put in water.

Learning other religions, reading books on evolution and testing your beliefs by reading blogs on atheism can be helpful because it gives us a greater understanding of why others believe what they believe. In the process of doing so, we find ways to give an answer to our faith once required of us.

2 Timothy 2:15 commands us to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." I know that "just have faith in God" can be a convenient thing to say, but in real encounters with people of different faiths, it will not be an effective answer.

That is not to say, however, that I recommend studying different religions off the bat to all Christians. Think of it as going to the gym. Newcomers never come to a bench press and do 150 kilograms on the first day. It takes time and effort to do it right.

It's also recommended that one undergo study of other religions and rebuttals to Christian beliefs with the help of other believers. When I first started studying attacks to the deity of Jesus, I did it alone and it shook my faith. However, when I was guided by a mentor who rightly guided me through proper reasoning and accurate and verified information, it became more beneficial for me to continue my study.

To understand the beliefs and faiths of others does not only strengthen and verify our faith but also helps us lead others of different faiths to Christ. We must be ready to give an answer when an answer can lead others to the truth.

Are you interested in studying other religions? What is your stance in coming to that study? Are you doing it with someone who can guide you through your study?