The Gospel in a Pluralist Society
Overview
How does the gospel relate to a pluralist society? What is the Christian message in a society marked by religious pluralism, ethnic diversity, and cultural relativism? Should Christians encountering today’s pluralist society concentrate on evangelism or on dialogue? How does the prevailing climate of opinion affect, perhaps infect, Christians’ faith?
These kinds of questions are addressed in this noteworthy book by Lesslie Newbigin. A highly respected Christian leader and ecumenical figure, Newbigin provides a brilliant analysis of contemporary (secular, humanist, pluralist) culture and suggests how Christians can more confidently affirm their faith in such a context.
While drawing from scholars such as Michael Polanyi, Alasdair MacIntyre, Hendrikus Berkhof, Walter Wink, and Robert Wuthnow, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society is suited not only to an academic readership. This heartfelt work by a missionary pastor and preacher also offers to Christian leaders and laypeople some thoughtful, helpful, and provocative reflections.
For more by Lesslie Newbigin, see Eerdmans Lesslie Newbigin Collection (8 vols.).
Key Features
- Answers how the gospel relates to the gospel
- Interacts with the relationship between evangelism and dialogue in a pluralistic society
- Analysis of our secular, humanist, and pluralist society
Top Highlights
“To be willing so to publish them is the test of our real belief. In this sense missions are the test of our faith.” (Page 126)
“How is it possible that the gospel should be credible, that people should come to believe that the power which has the last word in human affairs is represented by a man hanging on a cross? I am suggesting that the only answer, the only hermeneutic of the gospel, is a congregation of men and women who believe it and live by it.” (Page 227)
“Cultural pluralism I take to be the attitude which welcomes the variety of different cultures and life-styles within one society and believes that this is an enrichment of human life.” (Page 14)
“Fourth, it will be a community where men and women are prepared for and sustained in the exercise of the priesthood in the world.” (Page 229)
“Second, it is plain that we do not defend the Christian message by domesticating it within the reigning plausibility structure.” (Page 10)
- Title: The Gospel in a Pluralist Society
- Author: Lesslie Newbigin
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Print Publication Date: 1989
- Logos Release Date: 2015
- Pages: 264
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Christianity and culture; Christianity › 20th century; Apologetics › 20th century
- ISBNs: 9780802804266, 0802804268
- Resource ID: LLS:GSPLPLRLSTSCTY
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:25:31Z