Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World
Rooted in a 1992 theology conference at Wheaton College, which brought together young Evangelicals to discuss challenges posed by "normative pluralism and inclusivism," this book, like the conference, responds to pluralism as a challenge. The book is a symposium, with chapters by John Hick, Clark Pinnock, Alister McGrath, and R. Douglas Geivett together with W. Gary Phillips. In general, Hick issues the pluralist "challenge," and the other participants respond with inclusivist, particularist, and exclusivist approaches. That Geivett and Phillips, who call their position "evidentialist particularism," get the last word is significant. The book is intended for a conservative Evangelical audience likely to be most sympathetic to the Geivett-Phillips perspective. Putting that perspective last is likely to confirm the audience's sympathy. Putting it in the context of a symposium is likely to raise provocative and constructive questions that might otherwise be overlooked.Steve Schroeder