A Book Analysis of “Is Jesus the Only Savior”
A Book Analysis of “Is Jesus the Only Savior” Chapters 1-6: Pluralism by Ronald H. Nash
Justin W. Cullen
Theology 313
July 29, 2012
Analysis
Ronald H. Nash begins his book responding the position of pluralism in regards to the exclusivity of Jesus Christ, mainly directed at John Hick, who was a leading proponent of pluralism until his death earlier this year. Nash was an evangelical Baptist theologian and apologist, who subscribed to the Calvinist tradition. Within his book, Nash tackles several of Hick’s arguments relating to the pluralism and universality of Christianity. Nash reveals in chapters 1-6, the evolution of Hick’s philosophy of pluralism and understanding of pluralism, which conflicts with the Christian’s view of the exclusivity Jesus Christ. Nash’s views within his book are orthodox and consistent with a reformed understanding of Christian Theology. The first six chapters of Nash’s book create an argument against pluralism, however, if the reader does not possess a basic understanding of theology or philosophy the material used by Nash can be difficult to understand. Nash begins with discussing the early stage John Hick’s pluralism, which he reveals Hick’s initial ideas on pluralism that were in response to the old, outdated Christian exclusivism. Hick’s believes this view of Christianity can be related to the Ptolemy view of the universe. A Ptolemy view of the universe states that the earth is at the center, and the planets or all celestial bodies revolve around the earth. A Ptolemy view of Christianity places Christianity at the center of all other world religions. Hick believes that an all-loving God would reject the Ptolemaic understanding of Christianity and deny its exclusivity. Nash refutes Hick’s notion of an all-loving God within his development of pluralism. Furthermore, Nash relates that by knowing the properties of God, such as His love, Hick’s creates a situation in which this God will clash with the
Justin W. Cullen
Theology 313
July 29, 2012
Analysis
Ronald H. Nash begins his book responding the position of pluralism in regards to the exclusivity of Jesus Christ, mainly directed at John Hick, who was a leading proponent of pluralism until his death earlier this year. Nash was an evangelical Baptist theologian and apologist, who subscribed to the Calvinist tradition. Within his book, Nash tackles several of Hick’s arguments relating to the pluralism and universality of Christianity. Nash reveals in chapters 1-6, the evolution of Hick’s philosophy of pluralism and understanding of pluralism, which conflicts with the Christian’s view of the exclusivity Jesus Christ. Nash’s views within his book are orthodox and consistent with a reformed understanding of Christian Theology. The first six chapters of Nash’s book create an argument against pluralism, however, if the reader does not possess a basic understanding of theology or philosophy the material used by Nash can be difficult to understand. Nash begins with discussing the early stage John Hick’s pluralism, which he reveals Hick’s initial ideas on pluralism that were in response to the old, outdated Christian exclusivism. Hick’s believes this view of Christianity can be related to the Ptolemy view of the universe. A Ptolemy view of the universe states that the earth is at the center, and the planets or all celestial bodies revolve around the earth. A Ptolemy view of Christianity places Christianity at the center of all other world religions. Hick believes that an all-loving God would reject the Ptolemaic understanding of Christianity and deny its exclusivity. Nash refutes Hick’s notion of an all-loving God within his development of pluralism. Furthermore, Nash relates that by knowing the properties of God, such as His love, Hick’s creates a situation in which this God will clash with the
Bibliography: Nash, Ronald H. Is Jesus the Only Savior?. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. 1994. Walter, Elwell A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 2001. [ 19 ]. Elwell A. Walter, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001), 940.