Review by Choice Review
This excellent philosophical treatment of religious diversity and exclusivism argues for a global rather than a particularistic understanding of the claims of religion, including Christianity. It is not an easy read for those not inclined toward or familiar with extended philosophical arguments, but its perspective is important for thinking adherents of any faith. McKim (Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) endorses openness to learning from other faiths and the development, if necessary, of the curiosity and intellectual humility such openness requires. He concludes, "Since the [world's religious] traditions are all in the same boat [with regard to] the religious ambiguity of the world, it may be best to stick with your own tradition.... On the matter of salvation, there is an abundance of inclusivistic and indeed pluralistic options that confront exclusivism." McKim discusses those options at some length. He sees merit in not commenting on the salvation (or lack thereof) of adherents of other faiths. Attempts to convert those people should be replaced by "an aspiration to understand them." Thus missionizing adherents of other faiths must be rethought, if not abandoned altogether. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners. P. L. Redditt formerly, Georgetown College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
