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Current Issues in Soteriology An Annotated Bibliography Compiled by -
Nicole R. Staeheli and Robert V. Rakestraw -
Bethel Theological Seminary -
St. Paul, Minnesota Revised 1999
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Evangelicals & Catholics
Together 
Catechism of the Catholic Church. New York: Doubleday, 1994.
- A useful summary and explanation of Roman Catholic beliefs, traditions,
and sacraments. With a complete index, footnotes, and cross-references
for a fuller understanding of each subject.
- Examines the reactions to the ECT document from various North American
Christian circles, focusing on the responses from evangelical theologians.
- Based on the historic 1994 seminar, the contributors to this volume
argue for cooperation and openness between evangelicals and Catholics.
Includes essays by Charles Colson, George Weigel, Mark Noll, Avery Dulles,
S.J., and Richard John Neuhaus as well as the complete text of the ECT
statement. An excellent resource.
- Affirms the need for evangelical and Catholic unity on theological,
moral, and cultural issues.
- Though not directly related to the ECT declaration, this volume of
essays examines the impact of Christians from different traditions affirming
together such truths as the Trinity and the divinity and humanity of Christ
while also exploring points of tension between the three traditions. Contributors
include Peter Kreeft, Richard John Neuhaus, and J.I. Packer, et al.
- The complete text of the ECT statement with an appendage listing all
participants and supporters of the declaration.
- Written by the executive director of the American Center for Law and
Justice and the President of Life, Liberty, and Family, the author presents
a case for the building of alliances among Christians of all confessions
and traditions.
and Differences. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1995.
- Again, while not linked explicitly to ECT, this book offers a comprehensive
examination of the doctrines that unite and separate Roman Catholics and
evangelicals. An excellent resource!
- An editorial by one of CT’s senior editors regarding the ECT document
emphasizing the cultural and moral ecumenism that exists between Catholics
and evangelicals while cautioning that there are still significant theological
distinctions.
- Reviews "The Gift of Salvation," a new statement drafted by a group
of evangelical and Catholic theologians in response to the original ECT
statement and its call for a continuing process of study and discussion.
The author offers an "Evangelical Assessment" followed by the text of the
document itself and a list of its drafters.
- An editorial by a senior CT editor on the ECT document emphasizing
the need to clarify the doctrinal issues that still divide evangelicals
and Roman Catholics.
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A very useful review of the new, English translation of the Catholic catechism
which represents a definitive statement of Roman Catholic beliefs on every
significant issue.
- Packer shares his personal reasons for endorsing the ECT statement
as well as addressing some of the primary criticisms surrounding ECT and
its drafters.
Anderson, Gerald H. and Thomas F. Stransky, eds.
Christ’s Lordship and Religious Pluralism.
Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1981.
- Includes several essays written from a variety of perspectives.
- An analysis of the uniqueness of the Christian revelation. The author
examines the writings of John Hick and Hans Kung alongside the biblical
evidence and the beliefs of the major non-Christian religions.
- A reassertion of the exclusive claims of the gospel. Surveys the varied
opinions on the uniqueness of Christ, the absoluteness of Christianity,
and the universality of salvation.
- Includes contributions from a variety of authors on religious pluralism
in Old and New Testament times as well as in modern theology.
- Reviews the writings of several key pluralist thinkers including Paul
F. Knitter, John Hick, Gavin D’Costa and others.
- The author examines what he describes as "characterizations of Christ"
in the four major world religions: Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Buddhism.
- A valuable compilation of essays by several key evangelical authors
including Millard Erickson, Carl Henry, David Clark, Clark Pinnock, John
Oswalt, Scot McKnight, Charles Van Engen, Harvie Conn, and Tite Tienou.
Each addresses issues of human standards of fairness in light of God’s
revelation as well as biblical teachings on natural theology and soteriology.
- Brings together essays by fourteen scholars, including Francis X. Clooney,
S.J. and Wolfhart Panneberg, challenging the pluralistic assumption that
all religious traditions can be characterized as "equal."
- Challenges the assumptions of theological pluralism through an extensive
critique of John Hick’s theology. A version of the author’s Ph.D. thesis
submitted to the University of Cambridge in 1986.
- Analyzes the relationship of Christianity to the other world religions.
Begins with a review of historic reflections on the subject and then focuses
on three particular theologians: John Hick, Hendrik Kraemer, and Karl Rahner.
From an inclusivist position.
- Traces the development of Knitter’s theology and offers an evangelical
critique of his position.
- Drawing on the work of four Roman Catholic theologians; Karl Rahner,
Gustavo Gutierrez, Sebastian Moore and Edward Schillebeeckx, the author
examines their positions on the theme of salvation and the possibility
of salvation outside the Catholic Church.
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Offers an astute examination of the various perspectives and an explication
of the key issues surrounding the debate regarding the fate of those who
have never heard the gospel. Includes an overview of the differing positions
on the question and discusses such topics as general revelation, postmortem
evangelism, and annihilationism.
- Discusses the significance of eschatology for Christians today as well
as the "consummation of personal existence, of history, and of God’s cosmic
program."
- Explores how those who believe in the exclusivisity of the Christian
faith can enter into meaningful dialogue with those from other faiths.
- Argues for a pluralistic, rather than a singular, conception of salvation,
maintaining that the ends of various religions are as varied as the means.
In contrast to the more common pluralist thinking as illustrated by the
writings of John Hick, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, and Paul Knitter which insist
that different religions point to the same "ultimate."
- Examines the ability of Christianity to sustain its traditional affirmation
of the uniqueness and finality of Christ in light of inter-faith dialogue.
Contributors include Karl Barth, Karl Rahner, and Paul Tillich.
- Advocates a genuine religious pluralism in which a true relationship
to God can exist within Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam-as well
as in Christianity.
- Explores the validity of various world religions and Christianity’s
place among them. Argues against the traditional belief that Christianity
is the only true religion.
- Compiles a variety of essays by theologians advocating a pluralistic
model of Christian theology which recognizes the possibility of many valid
religions.
- Seeks to articulate a credible theological model for interreligious
dialogue as directed by the Second Vatican Council.
- A comprehensive, practical presentation of the biblical teaching on
salvation.
- Surveys the Christian discussion on the relation of Christianity to
other religious traditions. From a pluralist perspective.
- In these three lectures Knitter first discusses the pluralist movement
and its opposition and then responds to the critics of pluralist theology
by drawing on insights from liberation theology.
- Surveys several key texts in the current discussion on religious pluralism,
distinguishing between those written from the pluralist perspective and
those from the inclusivist perspective.
- Knitter argues that the focus of interreligious dialogue must shift
from dealing with internal religious differences to developing an increasing
sensitivity to the world’s environmental and socio-political concerns.
With a foreword by Hans Kung.
- Concludes that, in Wesley’s thought, some of those who have never heard
of Christ may experience salvation based on their response to God’s universal
revelation.
- A compelling introductory analysis of the divergent views of pluralism,
inclusivism, and exclusivism. Argues for an exclusive conception of salvation.
- A useful, introductory analysis of the divergent views of pluralism,
inclusivism, and exclusivism. Argues for an exclusivist conception of salvation.
- Offers a strong defense of Christian exclusivism with a focus on the
basic epistemological issues in the current debate over religious pluralism.
- Focuses on the assumptions behind the rejection of exclusivism by many
contemporary theologians and provides an evangelical response.
- Argues that the finality of Christ is to be understood only in terms
of his finality for the meaning and direction of the history of the world.
- This book presents the four prominent views on pluralism as outlined
by their four major proponents: normative pluralism by John Hick, inclusivism
by Clark Pinnock, a "post-enlightenment" particularist view by Alister
McGrath, and a "evidentialist" particularist view by R. Douglas Geivett
and W. Gary Phillips. Each view is critiqued by the other authors. A very
helpful introduction to the pluralism debate.
- A thorough examination of election, faith, and predestination, focusing
on the universality of grace. From an Arminian perspective.
- The author suggests new possibilities of evangelical interpretation
surrounding the challenges of religious pluralism. Argues for a "wider
hope."
- An argument for biblical universalism. Based on the presupposition
that all persons are elected in Christ except those expressly declared
in the Bible to be lost.
- Provides an overview of the universalistic understanding of salvation.
Includes such topics as infant salvation, the fate of those who do not
hear the Gospel, the role of faith in personal salvation, and the motive
and message of missions.
- Provides a survey of the three main explanations of the relationship
between Christianity and other religions: exclusivism, inclusivism, and
pluralism as well as addressing the doctrine of the incarnation and the
question of truth as it relates to inter-religious dialogue.
- Outlines the development of and influences on Pinnock’s theology as
well as evaluating his theological methods and his impact on Christianity
in general and Baptist thought in particular.
- Provides a brief overview of a variety of Protestant and Catholic christologies.
Asserts the need for a non-exclusivist christology.
- A concise evaluation of the assumptions of inclusivism in comparison
to traditional "evangelical" theology and in relation to various world
religions.
- The essays in this book address the question of religious pluralism
and the relation between the Christian faith and other religious traditions
by reevaluating the biblical data.
- Brings together Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Marxist
contributors who describe their convictions regarding the ultimate meaning
of life.
- This book represents the span of evangelical convictions. Ronald H.
Nash argues the restrictivist position, Gabriel Fackre advocates the divine
perseverance view, and John Sanders sets forth the inclusivist case. Each
contributor also responds to the other two positions.
- A thorough, biblical, historical, and theological investigation of
the issues surrounding the ultimate destiny of those who do not hear the
gospel in their lifetime.
- Assesses the impact of non-Christian faiths in Britain with an emphasis
on Christian approaches to inter-faith dialogue.
- The author conducts a thorough study of the history of Christian thought
about the salvation of those "outside the church," embracing the optimism
of Vatican II regarding the universal possibilities of salvation.
- Examines the causes and conditions of syncretism and secularism within
the contemporary Christian church.
- Essays address the concept and problems of a universal theology of
religion. With contributions by Wilfred Cantwell Smith, John B. Cobb, Jr.,
Raemundo Panikkar, and Hans Kung as well as responses to each by a variety
of theologians.
- Divided into three distinct sections. In Part One of this book Knitter
poses five, basic theses outlining a pluralistic reinterpretation of the
uniqueness of Jesus. In Part Two several renowned scholars including Hans
Kung, Clark H. Pinnock, Jose Miguez Bonino, and John Hick critique Knitter’s
theses. Knitter responds to these critiques in Part Three.
Atkinson, Sir Basil. Life and Immortality. England: Phoenix, nd.
Baillie, John. And the Life Everlasting. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1933.
- An exhaustive, intriguing inquiry into the "...nature and grounds of
the Christian hope of eternal life."
- A biblical, practical discussion of the subject of immortality. With
sections on physical death, immortality, and the intermediate state.
- Includes sections on "The Literal View" of hell by John Walvoord, "The
Metaphorical View" by William Crockett, "The Purgatorial View" by Zachary
J. Hayes, and "The Conditional View" by Clark H. Pinnock. With responses
by each author to the other views.
- A brief, but thorough presentation of Advent Christian Conference beliefs,
an evangelical denomination emphasizing the resurrection. Death is a "condition
of unconsciousness" and unbelievers will face eventual "complete extinction
of being."
- Analyzes three alternative views to the traditional doctrine of hell:
universalism, annihilationism, and post-mortem conversion. Affirms the
traditional doctrine of endless, conscious punishment.
- A systematic investigation of the biblical, theological, and anthropological
evidence in support of everlasting life after death. From a Catholic viewpoint.
- Major evangelical case for a conditionalist view of hell in which there
does exist divine judgement and a time of conscious suffering for the wicked
after which, however, there is only everlasting extinction as opposed to
the traditionalist view of everlasting punishment.
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1989.
- Evangelical Anglican defends annihilationism (398-407).
- A historical analysis of the sources foundational to Christian eschatology.
Includes discussions on apocalyptic forms in Judaism and in the early Church,
the question of everlasting evil, conditional immortality, and universal
restoration.
- Examines the biblical and historical development of the Christian doctrine
of death and the afterlife in both the Old and New Testaments.
- An introductory survey on Christian eschatology. Encompasses such topics
as the end of time, of mankind, and the resurrection of the body.
- Stott explains his annihilationist position.
- In this extremely helpful, detailed book the author first examines
all scriptural references to heaven and hell and then goes on to trace
the development of Christian eschatology from the Church fathers to contemporary
Catholic and Protestant theologians.
- A thorough examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the orthodox
doctrine of hell as well as the historical challenges to believing in the
reality of eternal punishment.
- A brief, scriptural analysis of the ultimate destiny of those who have
never heard the gospel.
Basinger, David. Divine Power in Process Theism; A Philosophical Critique. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1988.
- An insightful, highly readable critique of process theism.
- Offers a philosophical examination of freewill theism, arguing that
the Christian God desires a "responsive relationship" with His creatures.
With emphasis on divine omniscience, theodicy, and petitionary prayer.
By one of the key advocates of the "open view" of God.
- Clarifies the nature of and need for petitionary prayer and offers
a critical analysis of the various solutions that have been offered.
- The author’s doctoral dissertation for Princeton Seminary showing his
limited appreciation of and critical appraisal of Hartshorne’s process
views.
- Explores the relationship between divine foreknowledge and human freedom
offering two possible methods for their compatibility: "...God may have
either innate knowledge of all true, future-tense statements or middle
knowledge...."
- Examines the major issues concerning God’s knowledge of the future
in relation to time and human freedom: divine foreknowledge, middle knowledge,
and divine timelessness. Argues against the compatibility of divine foreknowledge
and human freedom.
- In opposition to recent arguments that God’s knowledge of the future
is limited and therefore he takes risks (as in Sanders’ The God Who
Risks), Helm presents a view of God as risk-free.
- Focuses on the doctrine of God through an exploration of God in certain
relationships: God to the gods, God to man, God to history, and God to
the future.
- A classic study affirming the full openness of God. From an Arminian
perspective.
- Urges for a reconsideration of classical doctrines, arguing that God
known through Christ, desires a "responsive relationship" with his creatures.
A hotly debated, highly controversial book within evangelicalism because
it appears to deny the traditional view of God’s omniscience.
Press, 1998.
- A proponent of the "open view" argues carefully that even though God
is in control of everything he is not constantly controlling everything.
A revision of Sanders’ doctoral thesis under Adrio Konig.
- A biblical, theological, and philosophical critique of freewill theism,
focusing on the recent work of Clark Pinnock. From a Reformed perspective.
Basinger, David and Randall Basinger, eds. Predestination and Free Will: Four Views of Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1986.
- Contributors John Feinberg, Norman Geisler, Bruce Reichenbach, and
Clark Pinnock offer their individual perspectives while critiquing the
other views presented.
- A challenging reassessment of the role of the law in biblical revelation
and Christian living, the nature of Christian inheritance, and the meaning
of New Testament warnings against "falling away." With a strong emphasis
on the impact and nature of God’s grace.
- Explores God’s purpose in relation to Israel and the Church. Written
from an Arminian perspective with a foreword by F.F. Bruce.
- Assesses the scriptural evidence for the truth of eternal salvation
security.
- A comprehensive, Calvinistic, practical presentation of the biblical
teaching on salvation.
- Argues that the biblical presentation of election is the corporate,
rather than the individual, view.
- An investigation of the biblical passages regarding apostasy and falling
away. Argues that the "...security of the believer is conditioned upon
his faithfulness to Jesus Christ."
- Calvinist argument for "limited atonement." Discusses such topics as
atonement, regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification.
- An incisive study of the biblical evidence on the relationship between
God’s sovereignty, man’s responsibility, and the Christian’s evangelistic
duty. From a Reformed perspective.
- Written by a team of evangelical scholars from a variety of traditions.
- A thorough examination of election, faith, and predestination, focusing
on the universality of grace. From an Arminian perspective.
- Argues that God wills for all people, even the non-elect, to be saved,
but he sovereignly elects only some to salvation.
- An insightful reaffirmation of the Calvinist position on the relationship
between divine sovereignty and the human will. Provides responses to contemporary
objections. Includes articles by John Piper, Wayne Grudem, Thomas Schreiner,
et al.
- Focuses on the historical and theological evidence for the Calvinist
view of God and His work. Includes articles by William Travis, J.I. Packer,
Paul Helm, Bruce Ware, et al.
- Explains and responds to the two most common objections to a Calvinist
interpretation of Romans 9:1-29, namely that Paul is not referring to salvation
in this text or, if he is in some sense, he is referring to the salvation
of groups rather than individuals.
- Traces the history of the debate between Calvinists and Arminians.
Includes discussions on the positions of Arminius and Calvin, the development
of Amyraldism and Federalism, and the antinomian controversy in America
and England.
- An introductory survey of Calvinist theology. Examines both the origin
and contents of the "five-points" system and the biblical support for each
doctrine. Includes an extensive, annotated section on related reference
materials.
- A collection of the author’s lectures on the differing conceptions
of salvation, autosoterism, sacerdotalism, universalism, and Calvinism.
- Marshalls numerous biblical texts and arguments against the Calvinist
understanding of predestination and perseverance. A passionate essay.
Bing, Charles C. Lordship Salvation: A Biblical Evaluation and Response. Burlseon: GraceLife Ministries, 1997.
- Offers a biblical response to the position known as Lordship Salvation.
The author’s doctoral dissertation at Dallas Theological Seminary.
- Reviews the current participants in the Lordship debate.
- Evaluates the biblical foundations of Hodges’ position.
- Examines MacArthur’s presentation and thesis as well as commenting
on how the gospel should be handled and the need to improve the tone of
the Lordship debate.
- A good defense of the Lordship Salvation position.
- Contrasts the views of Zane Hodges and John MacArthur offering an analysis
of the key issues dividing the two perspectives.
- A clear and concise analysis of the lordship debate examining the nature
of, and relationships between, repentance, faith, Christ’s lordship, and
discipleship. From a Lordship perspective.
Viva, 1981.
- Examines the roles of faith, works, baptism, and commitment in giving
believers assurance of their salvation. Affirms that, because faith is
the sole basis for salvation, believers can be fully assured of their eternal
destiny.
- The author calls for a return to the Reformation doctrine of sola
fide as the sole basis for salvation in contrast to the modern conception
of lordship salvation in which repentance and surrender to God are made
conditions for salvation. Written in response to John F. MacArthur’s book,
The Gospel According to Jesus.
Rapids: Baker Book House, 1992.
- Purports to offer a balanced perspective on the controversy surrounding
Lordship Salvation in light of traditional Reformed theology. A collection
of essays with contributions by several authors including Michael Horton,
Alister McGrath, and Paul Schaefer, et al.
- Examines popular views of assurance as presented in The Gospel Under
Siege. Written in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree
of Doctor of Ministry.
- A thorough exposition and defense of the lordship salvation perspective.
- The author explores the scriptural concepts, personal responsibilities
and practical problems involved in leading a balanced, biblical life. See
especially chapter 17, "Must Christ Be Lord To Be Saviour?" (169-181).
Ryrie answers "No."
- Answers key questions regarding the meaning and evidences of salvation
including, "Can a born-again Christian be carnal...?" and "Can a person
accept Jesus as Savior without acknowledging Him as Lord?"
Baum, Gregory. "Faith and Liberation: Development Since Vatican II." In Vatican II: Open Questions and New Horizons, ed. Gerald M. Fagin. Wilmington: Michael Glazier, 1984.
Brackley, Dean. Divine Revolution: Salvation & Liberation in Catholic Thought. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1988.
- A compelling exploration of the relation between transcendent "salvation"
and temporal "liberation" in Catholic theology through an analysis of the
writings of Jacques Maritain, Karl Rahner, and Gustavo Gutierrez.
Cone, James H. God of the Oppressed. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 1975.
- The author examines the meaning of liberation within the context of
the black community. A key text in the area of black theology.
- The first of these essays focuses on the distinctiveness of the Latin
American formulations of liberation theology and the black theology movement.
The author then presents an outline for a common framework in which these
diverse, individual approaches can work together.
- An interesting, controversial examination of contemporary Judaism in
the light of liberation theology.
- An excellent collection of original essays by Protestant and Catholic
women from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Addresses traditional theological
issues such as christology, spirituality, and the Bible from a liberation
theological perspective.
- A very useful, systematic survey of the principal liberation theologians
from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Designed as a companion to the above work, this anthology surveys the
views of the major theologians and trends in Latin American, African, and
Asian liberation theologies, bringing together contributions by representative
scholars from each of the three countries.
- Assesses the attitude of Jesus to the revolutionary movements of his
day.
- In this new edition of his classic text the author examines the development
of liberation theology since its official emergence in 1968. With an emphasis
on its impact in Latin America.
- Presents a systematic analysis of the philosophical source and theological
methods of liberation theology as well as the relationship between salvation
and liberation and personal and social sin. Refers solely to the Latin
American version of liberation theology.
- An extensive, systematic critique of liberation theology. Compiles
essays by several key conservative theologians including Carl F. H. Henry,
Clark H. Pinnock, and Richard John Neuhaus.
- Contrasts the theologies of America and Europe and those of the Third
World. Argues that each needs the other in the quest for truth and justice.
- Analyzes the problems of authority in an eschatological perspective
and presents alternative ways power and authority might function in the
Christian community.
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