A Wideness in God's Mercy: The Finality of Jesus Christ in a World of Religions

by Clark H. Pinnock

Here is a ground-breaking book that suggests some new possibilities of interpretation around the challenge of religious pluralism. The subject of the book is the finality of Jesus Christ in a world of different religions. Pinnock explains succinctly the factors that have made religious pluralism a major challenge for Christian theology. Then he places the issue in the history of doctrine leading up to the present day. Five chapters follow this...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0310535913
• ISBN13: 9780310535911
• Release Date: March 1992
• Publisher: Zondervan Academic
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

great!

this book was delivered very fast, and in the quality described by the seller. this seller is definitely recommended for anyone!

After 16 years, still fresh and relavent

Published in 1992, this presentation on how God can work in all nations and cultures is just as fresh today. Pinnock (an excellent theologian of our day) upholds both the particularity of Christ and the wideness of God's love in all cultures. Pinnock's high view of scripture and high Christology place him in the evangelical camp. One highlight of this book is Pinnock's utter demolition of the religious pluralist ideology which is so prevalent today. Maybe this is surprising to some who may view him as a liberal theologian. I would highly recommended this book to all those who are building a framework of how God can (and does) interact with all mankind. Tiessen's "Who can be Saved?" is a more complete treatment but "A Wideness in God's Mercy" is more concise for those with limited time to read. One criticism I have with this book is Pinnock's mixing Reformation doctrines of election and inclusivism. As Tiessen shows, these are two separate questions.

exceptional

clark pinnock does it again. a true theologian given the gift to think outside the box

Not universalism -- just inclusion

Clark Pinnock once again has caused me to stretch a little. This is a challenge to those who believe that God includes those who "think right," and exludes those who don't. The challenge come from those whom we know God included: Job, Jethro, Cornelius, and others. Maybe, as Peter said, "God does not show favortism, but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."

Creative theology used to answer important questions

Other than reading Pinnock's contribution to a Moody Counterpoint Series on the challenges pluralism presents to orthodox Christianity, I had not read any of Pinnock's other work. This was my first exposure to him; I look forward to picking up more of his work in the future. Pinnock argues for a broader view of salvation outside of Christianity than most evangelicals will accommodate; however, he does not sacrifice the concepts of Divine inspiration of Scripture, the historicity and Divinity of Christ, and conventional orthodoxies on the Trinity. A very worthwhile read.