What About Those Who Have Never Heard?: Three Views on the Destiny of the Unevangelized

by Gabriel J. Fackre, Ronald H. Nash, John Sanders

Overview

Voted one of Christianity Today's Books of the Year

What is the fate of those who die never hearing the gospel? Do Hindus, Jews, agnostics and others who do not profess faith in Christ really suffer damnation after death? These and similar questions have long been contemplated by people from every religious persuasion and every walk of life. But in a culture of increasing diversity and growing doubt in the existence of "objective truth," it seems ever more pressing.

In this Spectrum Multiview volume three scholars present the span of evangelical conviction on the destiny of the unevangelized. Ronald Nash argues the restrictivist position, that receptive knowledge of Jesus Christ in this life is necessary to salvation. Gabriel Fackre advocates divine perseverance, with the expectation that those who die unevangelized receive an opportunity for salvation after death. And John Sanders sets forth the inclusivist case—asserting that though God saves people only through the work of Jesus Christ, some may be saved even if they do not know about Christ.

As each scholar presents his own case and responds to strengths and weaknesses of differing positions, readers are treated to a lively and informative debate. What About Those Who Have Never Heard? is a truly helpful book on one of today's—and every day's—most crucial questions.

Spectrum Multiview Books offer a range of viewpoints on contested topics within Christianity, giving contributors the opportunity to present their position and also respond to others in this dynamic publishing format.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830816064
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	06/07/1995
Series:	Spectrum Multiview Book Series
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Gabriel Fackre is Samuel Abbot Professor of Christian Theology Emeritus at Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. He is the author of The Christian Story.

Ronald H. Nash (1936-2006) served as a professor of religion and philosophy for many years, teaching at Western Kentucky University, Reformed Theological Seminary and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His many books include The Gospel and the Greeks, Life's Ultimate Questions and Is Jesus the Only Savior?

John Sanders (Th.D., University of South Africa) is Professor of Religion at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. He has edited and written several books, including No Other Name: An Investigation into the Destiny of the Unevangelized. Three of his previous book projects have received Christianity Today Book Awards.

Table of Contents

Introduction - John Sanders

Inclusivism - John Sanders
Responses
Gabriel Fackre
Ronald H. Nash

Divine Perseverance - Gabriel Fackre
Responses
Ronald H. Nash
John Sanders

Restrictivism - Ronald H. Nash
Responses
John Sanders
Gabriel Fackre

Notes

Suggestions for Further Reading