Religions of the Stars is a 200+ page paperback book that takes an in-depth look at what celebrities believe and compares those beliefs to the Bible. Covering the teachings of New Age (Oprah Winfrey), Scientology (Tom Cruise), Kabbalah (Madonna), Mormonism (Marie Osmond), Buddhism (Orlando Bloom), Wicca, Magick, and Occultism, this book is a fascinating read, full of amazing facts and details about these religions and the famous people who adhere to their teachings.

Richard Abanes is known for his work of this type, comparing pop/mainstream "Christian" fads (religions, books, teachings) to the pure truth of God's Word. With meticulous and abundant research, Abanes lays out the facts in a matter-of-fact manner and exposes how and where Christian-sounding teachings (and the people behind them) do not line up with God's Word. The beauty of this work is that any false teaching, when it is compared side by side with THE TRUTH, cannot stand. It is exposed for its folly and error. In this book, truth is made evident. I have always loved reading Abanes's books for this very reason.

Many years ago, Mr. Abanes's books of this type were very key to helping me find truth. I read his books comparing The Road Less Traveled and Embraced by the Light to the Bible. Teachings that I had accepted intellectually and spiritually, in my quest for truth at that point, became evident for their error and foolishness. God's Word shone through as the only thing that could be truth. I have clung to it solely since then. And now, many years later, it seems his writing is even better.

As for this book, Religions of the Stars, I couldn't put it down. I carried it with me everywhere I went for three days. I never knew that much about Scientology--it was so interesting to read about it. Did you know the foundations of the Scientology religion encompass 4-quadrillion years of a science fiction epic saga that makes the whole "Star Wars" series look like peanuts (and they also believe that Star Wars is a true story)? Did you know that some celebrities sought occult power to ensure their rise to fame and fortune? They literally "sold their soul to the devil" in return for riches and stardom. Another eye-opener in this book is the evidence of just how many "Christians" blur the lines between truth and false teachings.

I wish every professing Christian family in America would read Mr. Abanes's books--all of his books--then we might truly have a revival as people cleaned the clutter, contamination, and compromise out of their religious beliefs, and basked in the glow of the pure Truth of God's Word, which is the only thing that stands without error, foolproof and unfailing.

When Mr. Abanes does his comparisons of these false religions and mainstream/pop culture philosophies, it seems to me that the truth of God's Word comes shining through as the only thing that makes sense. He exposes nonsense for what it is, as well as the hidden things behind the nonsense (secrets of the origins and founders of many of these fads/teachings/religions). He leads people who are searching for wisdom to Wisdom. I think any searching soul who gets a hold of any of Mr. Abanes's books of this type would find their answer--the one and only answer, Jesus Christ.

I am a minimalist and keep very few books of any kind, but Richard Abanes's books will always stay in my home. If homeschooling parents don't teach their children how to discern false teachings and how to separate themselves from the world, then what's the point of homeschooling? If you are looking for good solid reading for yourself, your husband, or your high schooler--something that will strengthen faith and build discernment but is also interesting and well-written--look no further than Richard Abanes.

Product review by Camilla Anderson, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, January 10, 2010