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Rating: 
Summary: A Welcome Voice in the Conversation Regarding Pluralism
Review: Christianity and Plurality is a unique and important contribution to the growing debate regarding the the co-existence of various religious traditions and the subsequent questions religious pluralism raises about exclusivity within the Chrisitian faith. This text derives its strength from its balanced presentation of primary sources on religious pluralism from the Patristic era of Christianity to the present. With the aide of a helpful introduction on the issue of pluralism which surveys relevant Biblical texts, Christianity and Plurality encapsulates a variety of opinions on this issue by drawing upon authors both Protestant and Catholic, broadly orthodox and skeptical. By presenting the fruits of two thousand years of thought without thesis or editorial comment Dr. Richard J. Plantinga enables his readers to contemplate individual contributions to this issue without wading through an authorial viewpoint that could influence a readers interpretation of the included texts. Thorough footnoting and recommendations as to other texts regarding this topic aide in furthering a readers investigation of pluralism. I recommend this text as the finest introduction to the issue of religious pluralism now available.
Rating:
Summary: A Welcome Voice in the Conversation Regarding Pluralism
Review: Christianity and Plurality is a unique and important contribution to the growing debate regarding the the co-existence of various religious traditions and the subsequent questions religious pluralism raises about exclusivity within the Chrisitian faith. This text derives its strength from its balanced presentation of primary sources on religious pluralism from the Patristic era of Christianity to the present. With the aide of a helpful introduction on the issue of pluralism which surveys relevant Biblical texts, Christianity and Plurality encapsulates a variety of opinions on this issue by drawing upon authors both Protestant and Catholic, broadly orthodox and skeptical. By presenting the fruits of two thousand years of thought without thesis or editorial comment Dr. Richard J. Plantinga enables his readers to contemplate individual contributions to this issue without wading through an authorial viewpoint that could influence a readers interpretation of the included texts. Thorough footnoting and recommendations as to other texts regarding this topic aide in furthering a readers investigation of pluralism. I recommend this text as the finest introduction to the issue of religious pluralism now available.
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding beginning to plurality and other issues....
Review: Dr. Pantinga has achieved several successes by publishing this excellent compendium of works by some of the most important theologians in the past 2000 years. First, for myself, this book is a great introduction to some of the most important source literature of great men (and unfortunately they are all men) who have had an important impact on Christian thought throughout the ages. Some perhaps would argue how GOOD such impacts have been, but it is good to understand where they come from. As a person who has just started to read theology, I have wanted to read more deeply into the historical writings and to appreciate theological works such as these. Second, Plantinga has also published a book which is an excellent starter to a discussion on plurality and how the Christian faith is to relate to other beliefs. I am reading this before I am taking a course called "Christ Among the Religions", and I think that, although this is an excellent book, it will perhaps be even better when some of the concepts are explained and unpacked. You cannot read this book lightly and, I know for myself, I can't read it without a bit of help and discussion with others. I know this book will be a great source for much vigorous talk! How refreshing to see a book such as this be published. It is of great scholarly value - but not only for ivory tower theologians, for plurality is a concept that all serious Christians must deal with. Read and Enjoy!
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