BOOK CRITIQUE: CHRISTIANITY & RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY: CLARIFYING

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENTS IN A GLOBALIZING AGE

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 Book Review: Christianity & Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian Commitments in

a Globalizing Age

In the book, the author challenges a usually normative perception that the commitment of

Christian is in jeopardy due to the diversity of religion. The tendency to reject other religions is

inherited within various religions. However, what if there is a possibility to encompass Christian

apologetics in respectful ways as part of humans’ general Christian witness? It is no doubt that

Netland’s experience with the Buddhism faith when growing up with missionary parent is part of

his basis for upholding faithfulness to the biblical witness, cultural sensitivity, and intellectual

responsibility when it narrows down to engaging with the realities of other religions. The author

does not only call on Christians to be apologetic witnesses but goes on to challenge the

discomforts by Christians on their commitment to Christ and at the same time defend the rights

of people whom they do not agree with. "Christian should move beyond a concern merely for

protecting their religious rights and commit to preserving religious liberties for all.”1 Naturally,

humans do not prefer complexities. The author further contends that Christians are conscious of

other religions, but have a difficult time receiving the truth that is beyond their beliefs.

Conventionally, the Christian religion has been understood as a Eurocentric way which has

penetrated other faiths such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Importantly, the value of the authorship

is on its critique of the globalization of the Christian faith as well as the renowned authors.

Whereas stating Christianity as one authentic religion, the author asserts that Christians conduct

themselves with a mindset that is exclusive and cultivates fear of others. This paper seeks to

provide a summary of Christianity & Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian Commitments in

. Harold A. Netland, Christianity and Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian

1

Commitments in a Globalizing Age (Ada: Baker Academic, 2015), 250.

a  Globalizing Age and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the work in its larger academic

context.

Summary

Christianity & Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian Commitments in

a  Globalizing Age is divided into two sections. The first one deals with religion in a modern,

globalizing globe and the second part is about the commitments of a Christian in a pluralistic

universe. The author successful lays out essential taxonomies for comprehending what religion

means is. Instead of defining religion using theological terms, the author emphasizes on the

phenomenological viewpoint of concluding that a complete and functional description best

serves to recognize religious practices and beliefs. From a historical spectrum, Netland contends

that religion is not a contemporary construct. Additionally, he acknowledges a level of ambiguity

that surround religious identities. They include Scientology, secular humanism, Marxism,

Confucianism, etc. He thus suggests that it is important to "think of a continuum along which we

have possible instances of religion".2 Astutely, the author contends that it is difficult to draw

lines between cultural, religious, and worldviews so that, for example, a religion shares particular

worldview.

Also, the book addresses the change phenomenon, which takes place within religions as

they interact with the rigours of colonization and enlightenment. Carrying on with the

conventional lens, the author highlights an increasing appeal of a pluralistic viewpoint with the

increase in globalization and modernization.3 In the advent of American and European

colonialism as well as the traversing of geographic boundaries, the current missionary movement

2
. Netland, Christianity and Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian Commitments in a
Globalizing Age, 29.
3

. Ibid. 42.
triggered the spread of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and the “hybridization of the traditions and

the emergence of new religions movements”.4 Oddly, unbridled confidence in science and

education during the Enlightenment era yielded as much scepticism and criticism toward religion

as opposed to reason in faiths. This gave rise to opportunities such as secularism and

secularization, which treated religions as false ideas or that people should live like their ideas are

not true. The work demonstrates that regardless of the weakening epistemic and moral authority

which was triggered by continuous exposure to conflicting faiths, together with the hunger for

everything (material or empirical), there remains social and personal importance in religious

beliefs across the world.

What has always been embraced by the Buddhism of the West is flawed. At least

according to the author. Buddhist critics critique Suzuki by asserting that faith does not

accurately represent historical and essential Buddhist teaching. Likewise, Suzuki's assertions are

far-reaching in that they condense Eastern Spirituality in its entirety and fails to consider the

diverse differences and expressions of Taoism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Hinduism.5 The author

demonstrates how the portrayal of a certain faith can be impacted by elements that are external to

that tradition so much that the nature of the tradition transforms beyond what ascribes of the

tradition may recognize. Ironically, Suzuki is guilty of broad-brushing his form of Buddhism is a

technique called the reverse orientalism. This is a dialectic process where one side maligns the

other by demonstrating differences to generate an antithesis.

The last chapter in the first part uses the work of prominent religious leaders to trace the

theme of Jesus in the world after colonialism. The leaders share an identical view on Jesus as a

great religious and moral leader. The attraction to religious pluralism starts to come out as each

4
. Ibid. 45.
5
. Ibid. 99.
of the leaders adopts some type of pluralist formula. All religions are culturally and historically

conditioned responses to some formless reality. The author thus demonstrates inconsistencies

and patronizes the attempts aimed at the construction of a human Jesus. The latter is to be adored

among other people but does not capture the centrality and uniqueness of Jesus as truly Man and

truly God.

In the second part, the author addresses the question of whether if all religions can be

true. John Hick's proposal on religious pluralism is assessed, showing that it is unable to

withstand scrutiny. By admission, religion, whether atheistic or theistic, cannot be privileged

above others, yet the founding appeal is to some level of ontological religious realism6. This

eliminates naturalism and renders John Hick's pluralism generous theism. John Hick's

manoeuvre was to minimize conflict between religious traditions and render their central

teachings insignificant while radically reinterpreting the ideas. In religious pluralism, the truth

becomes existential importance, leading to a functional as opposed to a perspective of truth. The

author ably demonstrates the challenges by proposing mythological understanding behind

religious ambiguity, central beliefs, ineffability, moral transformation, and religious experience,

all generally found in the pluralist’s store, and he accurately concludes that the results are

incoherent.

Further, the author moves into the arena of Christianity as one religion that is true.

Netland is keen to highlight that when one speaks of Christianity, they should differentiate

between the empirical expression that is laced with all cultural and social accoutrements7 on one

hand, as well as its gospel missive on the other. Categorically, the author is keen on clarifying

what is not involved and what is involved in contending that Christianity is a true religion.

6
. Ibid 143
7
Ibid. 166.
Typical objections to the assertions of superiority and absolutism are accorded thoughtful

responses. One of the objections is the hypothetical link between violence and religion. The

author demonstrates that the costs are not the burdens and that the burden is on the objector to

show a direct causal relationship between violence and religion which is not also linked to other

factors like society, culture, politics, economics, ethnicity, among others. Also, an affirmation of

the truth in other religions does not warrant one to commit to abandoning absolutism. Likewise,

to affirm the critical teachings of Christianity is not to affirm all that is imparted by the Christian

institution nor does the commitment to the absolute assertions of Christendom entail the

withdrawal from the pursuing of a moral good of all in integrating with non-Christian faiths.

With the caveats in place, the author identifies what it takes for religion to be true.8

Additionally, Netland accurately demonstrated that propositional truths are applicable to

religious claims as opposed to religious traditions. While central claims do not stand in isolation

from other assertions so that, for instance, the moral precepts are to be overlooked, the author

insists the various implications and dimensions for tradition should be kept different from the

core claims of the tradition to evaluate the value of its truth. Of course, this assumes that there

are main beliefs and, even though the church constantly disagrees over what constitutes as

peripheral and what counts as core, this does not imply that Christians are unable to describe

some of the core beliefs and hold them differently from their entailments. Also, the book offers a

guideline for describing Christian beliefs. He finishes with the defence of the other person of

"Jesus as Son of God and God the Son, fully human, fully divine”.9

In the second-last chapter, Netland offers a good treatment of why when experiencing

religious diversity, one might have good reasons to accept Christianity as the true religion

8
Ibid. 182-195.
9
. Ibid. 196.
because there is an assumption of the idea of ambiguity among religions in the world, the

suspicion that a certain religion is truer than the other is natural. Nonetheless, the author notes

that this is not any different as opposed to other discourses which entertain conflict yet consider

debate. Rather, disciplines take upon challenges and draw deductions about the superiority of a

certain belief over the other. Netland states that "the issue, then, is not whether we can present

arguments for the Christian faith that will convince every reasonable person but whether there

are stronger reasons for accepting the claims of Christian theism than those of alternative

perspectives”.10 In the final chapter, the author is courageous in attempting to offer principles for

a discussion revolving around what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus and a good citizen in a

religiously diverse and ever-growing pluralistic world. Netland annotates the dual

responsibilities of a Christian are to obey God and the legitimate obligation to a non-Christian

civil authority. Furthermore, he is clear that evangelism and witness are not an option for a

Christian church and that by merely disseminating the word of God does not equate to the

fulfilment of the commission. Making of a disciple entails the conversion of adherent to various

religions. Finally, the author gleans on various principles. The first one is that Christians should

seek to preserve the religious liberties of everyone, particularly when it comes to advocating for

the rights of the religious minority. The second principle is that when engaging on public

discourses, caution should be exercised, and one should speak graciously to avoid showing hints

of inflammatory language and vitriol, which is common in culture wars. The final principle is

about keen awareness11

Strengths and Weaknesses

10
. Ibid. 220.
11
. Hutchinson, Brent D. The leader of faithful presence and the challenge of culture

change in the new Appalachia. (Dallas Baptist University, 2016). 14.

Strengths

The author succeeds in combining resources from religious studies, history, philosophy,

and theology which provide a main strength of the book. Besides, Netland makes a good debate

or argument against pluralism. He shows that pluralism has grown to become a religion of its

own and undercuts the principles of other religions by eliminating “privilege” to become

exclusive.12 The other strength of the author’s disagreement for Christian exclusivism is that he

goes on to broadens it by identifying that there are a variety of Christian universalities and that

Christians who are pluralistic do not necessarily champion for universalism.13 This means that

the Christian religion should not be necessarily narrowed down to those Christians who ascribe

to exclusivism. I think that he is true about that. However, the question that arises in this is that,

as Christians, with regards to his debate concerning Christian exclusivism, can there be a

possibility of concluding theologically that the Christian faith is "true exclusivism." Can an Islam

scholar also advance an argument about exclusivism consistently and logically? The other

question is where is on where the faith aspect is found in all this. I understand that faith is not

entirely blind. However, the bible says that humans should always look through a dark glass and

see partly, and that part of glory is that the faith of human beings becomes visible.14 However,

that is one part that will remain unknown until death. The final strength of the authorship is that

12
Harold A. Netland, "Christianity and Religious Plurality, written by Charlotte Methuen,

Andrew Spicer and John Wolffe (Eds.)," Church History and Religious Culture 96, no. 3 (2016):

468-470, doi:10.1163/18712428-09603038.
13
. Wilbert R. Shenk and Richard J. Plantinga, Christianity and Religious Plurality:

Historical and Global Perspectives (Eugene: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2016), 24.
14
. 1 Corinthians 13:12
it focuses and is practical in application. He outlines several themes which are particularly

important for Christian witnesses today.

The final strength of the book is that the writer states that the efforts geared toward

persuading other religions to convert the fundamental beliefs and embrace the main Christian

beliefs as true may be deemed as inappropriate use of power. This is especially in the case where

a Christian is linked to significant military, political, economic, and cultural structures of power.

Any act that is seen as coercive or manipulative, or otherwise, interferes with the dignity of

another and should be rejected.15 In particular scenarios, historical elements render interreligious

apologetics sensitive. This is a critical point that the author advances as it implies that there

should be love and respect for other cultures since they are inherent to Christians. This is a good

application for those subscribing to the Christian faith and asks them to reflect upon authenticity

in the middle of diversity.

Weaknesses

One of the weaknesses of the authorship is centred on exclusivism. The author contends

that historically, Christianity has been impacted by evil acts and sins that influence the

apologetic attempts of a witness. The question here is if the author has adequately shown that

several religions are a "distortion" of the plan of God for human beings. I am not certain that he

has or if anybody religious person can agree. Additionally, there are different worldviews in any

one religion that create a significant hurdle for converting other religions to Christianity. One

question that arises is how the biblical worldview can come about in a convert. The other is ho

Christian witnesses can reach those who have been victimized or repelled by the Christian faith.
15
Metzger, Paul Louis. "Book review: Christianity and Religious Diversity: Clarifying

Christian Commitments in a Globalizing Age." (2018), 90-91.

Another weakness is that the author proceeds by putting emphasis on what has not been included

in the exclusivity of the Christian religion. There is no goodness or truth in other religions. Also,

he asserts that the Christian faith is morally superior to the other faiths. Finally, Netland opines

that a Christian needs to be elite and needs to withdraw from the universe. \

Conclusion

Christianity & Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian Commitments in

a  Globalizing Age is a gift to everybody as it is an exemplary treatment of how people should

live and think in a world that is religiously diverse. This involves engaging with knowledge and

grace. For people who are not familiar with the religions of the world may find the book’s depth

and breadth staggering. However, in an attempt to thoughtfully and carefully read through, one

can be able to navigate the thorny aspects gracing the competing religious assertions. The

author’s promptings to hold a firm grip to a strong Christian orthodoxy is clear throughout the

text and respects the complexities of optional beliefs with objectivity, charity, and clarity. To

conclude, the book is a critical evaluation of the commitment of a Christian. Humans live in a

universe where religion is, at times, utilized as a veil that is used to cover social and political

inequalities and inadequacies. Furthermore, the writing is a valuable tool for contemporary

apologetics concerning pluralism and universalism. What triggers curiosity is if the book is of

much value for missiology and whether apologetic techniques are successful in the conversion of

those who are not believers to salvation.

 Bibliography

Hutchinson, Brent D. The leader of faithful presence and the challenge of culture change in the

new Appalachia. Dallas Baptist University, 2016.

Metzger, Paul Louis. "Book review: Christianity and Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian

Commitments in a Globalizing Age." (2018): 90-91.

Netland, Harold A. "Christianity and Religious Plurality, written by Charlotte Methuen, Andrew

Spicer and John Wolffe (Eds.)." Church History and Religious Culture 96, no. 3 (2016),

468-470. doi:10.1163/18712428-09603038.

Netland, Harold A. Christianity and Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian Commitments in a

Globalizing Age. Ada: Baker Academic, 2015.

Shenk, Wilbert R., and Richard J. Plantinga. Christianity and Religious Plurality: Historical and

Global Perspectives. Eugene: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2016.