Analysis
Many today struggle with the Christian teaching that the only way to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ. There are a variety of alternatives offered, notably pluralism and inclusivism. In the second half of his book Is Jesus the Only Savior? Dr. Ronald Nash addresses the teaching of inclusivism, comparing its claims with the claims of orthodox Christianity and evaluating the merits of those claims. It is the purpose of this analysis to evaluate his rebuttal of inclusivism as presented in chapters 7-11 of Is Jesus the Only Savior?.
Dr. Nash approaches this discussion with a masterful command of the subject. He earned a PhD in Philosophy at Syracuse University, going on to serve as a professor for over forty years. According to the biographical information given on the back cover of our text, he “served twenty-seven years as professor of philosophy and department chairperson at Western Kentucky University” and has authored or edited “more than twenty-five books.” In addition, Dr. Nash was professor of philosophy at both Reformed Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His wide-ranging scholarship addresses topics such as faith and reason, liberation theology, social justice, and St. Augustine’s theory of knowledge. This background enables Dr. Nash to engage in this issue with both philosophical clarity and historical perspective. While Dr. Nash does not claim to be a New Testament scholar, he demonstrates a clear familiarity with the
The subject of the book, author’s purpose and intended audience: The history of Christian thought in the modern era was a quest of today’s Christian. Faith in a multi-denominational society decreases a sense of belonging. Since the Enlightenment some
Gordon D. Fee is professor of New Testament at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia where he has taught for sixteen years. Fee has a Master of Arts degree from Seattle Pacific University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. He is noted as a New Testament scholar specifically in the area of New Testament criticism. Regent-College.edu notes “Gordon Fee currently serves as the general editor of the New International Commentary series, as well as on the NIV revision committee that produced the TNIV.” Fee is ordained with the Assemblies of God. Fee is considered, by this author, as the leading theologian in the Assemblies of God.
Jesus Among Other Gods, a book written by Ravi K. Zacharias, provides a defense of the uniqueness of the Christian message, specifically that Jesus is God. Zacharias’s aim was not to write a straightforward treatise that attacked believers who espoused traditional religions. In fact, his approach was to evaluate seven questions that Jesus answered in unique ways, which no other pseudo-divine claimant could assert. In evaluating the questions, he demonstrated Jesus’ uniqueness and qualifications as the son of God, over and above the other contenders for the prophetic office. Using vignettes, anecdotes, quotes, excerpts, interview transcripts, and scriptures, Zacharias scrutinized religious philosophies concerning deities and prophets from
Being a Christian in today’s world is not as simple or as accepting by humanity as it may seem. There are many varied worldviews, all believing that their own worldview concept is the right and correct one. Christianity is no exception, which makes it necessary to show a clear understanding as to what a Christian worldview consists of. So, the purpose of this paper will lead to a better understanding of God, humanity, Jesus, restoration, analyzing the Christian worldview, and reflection upon my own personal belief.
When you think “Christian Worldview,” what comes to mind? I know I automatically think; God, Jesus, Christians, and Prayer. As I have learned through my Christian Worldview class, I have learned that there is a lot more to it and this paper will provide you with what I have learned. Throughout this assignment, I will explain about God, Humanity, Jesus, restoration, my analysis of the Christian Faith, and my reflection.
A worldview is one’s views and beliefs about the world and reality that impact how we think, live our lives, and perceive the world. “People have their own private worldviews with values and beliefs that have been shaped by culture, education, experiences, and relationships” (“Lecture 1,” 2015). There are many worldviews and outlooks in the world, but we are mainly focusing on the Christian worldview. In this paper, I will summarize and analyze the Christian worldview and describe their beliefs with regard to God, Humanity, Jesus, and the Restoration while reflecting on my own beliefs.
This paper will explain to you the Gospel that makes up the Christian Worldview. I have broken this down into four sections. God, humanity, Jesus, and the restoration. I am also including my own analysis of these sections as well as my personal view of how I interpret the Christian Worldview into my own lifestyle. By the end of this paper you will have an understanding of the insight on what it means to possess a Christian Worldview.
It is the foundation that offers many the ability to understand the irrational and give substance to life’s deepest questions. In this paper, the Christian worldview will be broken down with an in-depth look at God, humanity, Jesus, restoration, and an analysis and reflection on the worldview, and express its value to mankind. God God is known to have many characteristics associated with him.
The Christian worldview, also categorized under theism, is highly recognized and held by many. This is the belief that there is a single, personal, and relational God who is the creator of all things, this includes a belief in morality and the afterlife. This paper will discuss important aspects and key characters in the Christian worldview, including God and His plan for His children, humanity and the Fall, and Jesus’ role in restoration.
The Explicit Gospel is a true eye opener with life changing implications, a modern day constitution of the Christian faith. This piece of literature adds a valuable Christian perspective with convicting truths that have been overlooked by Christians and many Christian institutions throughout our nation. The principles in this book will compel any American citizen to reevaluate their Christocentric worldview.
God seeks to set prisoners free—not always from their physical prison, but certainly from their imprisonment by sin, ignorance, rebellion, and foolish choices. Jesus identified Himself as the source of this freedom. As this is an important part of God's work, it is an important part of the Church’s work a
The first chapter begins with letting readers know that the three conflicting views have sparked a debate when it comes to the question, Is Jesus the Only Savior? Nash provided definitions for Christian exclusivism, pluralism, and inclusivism. Christian exclusivism comprises the bulk of the first chapter. Nash used the authority of the Bible and scriptural evidence to
The Holy Spirit can guide and we can use the Trinity as a model, but that has not prevented 2000 years of previous dissension. Harmon, understanding that the Trinitarian model is not enough, offers ten solutions for ecumenical unity. First and foremost, Harmon expects Christians to pray for unity and to pray for those who are in disunity (57-59). Secondly, Harmon believes Christians should embrace one denomination while being fully aware of others (61-65). Third and finally, our author encourages Christians to live out the Gospel with preaching and teaching as well as helping to bring God’s kingdom through social justice and environmental care (66-70).
Ronald Nash wrote a book called Is Jesus the Only Savior. It discusses his gathered findings and distinctions between Pluralism and Inclusiveness. This paper will explore some of Ronald Nash’s observations and the arguments, logics and Scripture used to support his writings. This paper will discuss several Religious leaders some pluralist others inclusivists, non-Christians, Christians and their beliefs, philosophies or opinions. In this paper the details of inclusiveness is discussed.
Ronald H. Nash’s book, Is Jesus the Only Savior? , explores three competing views, exclusivism, pluralism and inclusivism, of salvation and Christ as Savior. Nash is a Christian exclusivist, who believes in the Trinity and the inerrancy of Scripture. He does not deviate from his Christian worldview of exclusivism or from the Orthodox belief, “The Bible is God’s special revelation inscripturated.” In part two of the book, Nash states his purpose, “to examine specific disagreements between inclusivists and exclusivists. Nash examines the theological and biblical arguments that inclusivists offer in support of their position.”