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What are non-Christian religions? How is God related to them? How do they relate to Christianity? In this original book, Iain McGee explores five Christian theologians' answers to these questions. The study spans the history of the church, covering figures from four different continents: Justin Martyr, Augustine, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, and Daniel Strange. Focusing on the revelation-religion interface in the writings of these scholars, McGee outlines and analyzes their varied understandings of Logos illumination, the prisca theologia, and the demonic, alongside the relationships between them and their impact on non-Christian religion. McGee forwards an argument that each theology can be considered a biblically informed, contextually reflective, and reactive response to significant religious challenges faced by these Christian thinkers in their attempts to demonstrate the uniqueness of the Christian faith.
“This is an original book, important to the field and very engaging due to Iain McGee’s elegant, sophisticated, and accessible style. I commend it to all serious Christians reflecting on the relationship of Christianity to the religious and non-religious cultures within which we live.”
—Gavin D’Costa, professor of interreligious dialogue, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas
“Simply fascinating, this fresh and insightful study addresses a number of critical issues in the theology of religions. It makes us think harder about the nature of revelation as it lucidly analyzes the different emphases of five theologians. Clarifying and stimulating, it is a most welcome addition to the field.”
—Michael Reeves, president and professor of theology, Union School of Theology
“The future of church and mission depends on how the theologia religionum is articulated, as I learned from Johan Herman Bavinck. He developed a biblical framework that creatively interlinked the theological and psychological components of religious beliefs. In line with these thoughts, Iain McGee provides a clear insight into the ongoing reflection on this timely theme. In doing so, he proves to be a significant voice in contemporary missiology, offering a clear rebuttal against the liberalization of theology and the secularization of church and mission.”
—Paul Visser, pastor, Protestant Church of Rotterdam
“What might leading theologians of the past have to contribute to twenty-first-century debates in theology of religions? In this meticulously researched and thoughtful study, Iain McGee probes the rich heritage of thinkers such as Justin Martyr, Augustine, John Calvin, and Jonathan Edwards on other religions, and he brings their insights into fruitful dialogue with the views of contemporary Reformed theologian Daniel Strange. Although written from a Reformed perspective, this is a ground-breaking historical and theological work for anyone seriously interested in the theology of religions.”
—Harold A. Netland, professor of philosophy of religion and intercultural studies, Trinity International University
“In this study, Iain McGee compares and synthesizes five theologies of religions from theologians who can all be classed as being part of or having influenced ‘Reformed’ and ‘Evangelical’ confessionalism. In an area where Reformed evangelicals have somewhat lagged behind in nuance and depth compared to other traditions, McGee provides a creative and substantial analysis which both takes us forward and provides a solid building block for further investigation and research. Recommended.”
—Dan Strange, director, Crosslands Forum
Iain McGee is the dean of studies at Union School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales.
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Philip Sampson
8/14/2024