Excellent4.8 out of 5On Trustpilot
  1. Bible Study Reference Books/
  2. Hermeneutics

One of a Kind

by Adam Sparks

  • Paperback
  • Publisher: Pickwick Publications
  • 15.3 x 22.7 x 2.1 cm

£28.38

Save 11% | Free UK Delivery

Available - Usually dispatched within 4 days

Buying for a school or church? Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account

Free delivery on orders over £10

A fundamental requirement in an inclusivist understanding of the relationship between Christianity and other religions is evidence of God's salvific activity outside any knowledge of Christ. This is commonly identified in the religion of Old Testament Israel. On this basis an analogy (the ""Israel analogy"") is drawn between the religion of the old covenant and contemporary non-Christian religions. Closely related is the parallel argument that as Christ has fulfilled the Old covenant, he can also be seen as the fulfillment of other religious traditions and their scriptures. This study outlines the use of the Israel analogy and the fulfillment model, subjecting these concepts to a biblical and theological critique revealing that the exegetical and patristic data are misconstrued in support of these concepts. Furthermore, the Israel analogy and the fulfillment model undermine the sui generis relationship between the old and new covenants and fail to respect the organic, progressive nature of salvation history. They also misconstrue the old covenant and the nature of its fulfillment in the new covenant. The Israel analogy and fulfillment model rely on a correspondence between the chronologically premessianic (Israel) and the epistemologically premessianic (other religions), and therefore consider the ""BC condition"" to continue today. In so doing, they undermine the significance of the Christ-event by failing to appreciate the decisive effect of this event on history and the nature of existence. It marks a radical turn in salvation history, a crisis point, rendering the BC period complete and fulfilled. Therefore the concept of a continuing ""premessianic"" condition or state is seriously flawed, as are the Israel analogy and fulfillment model. Thus the inclusivist paradigm reliant in large part on these defective concepts is also problematic, and proponents of this paradigm need to reconsider its basis. ""Within the Christian theology of religions, the 'Israel analogy' or 'fulfilment paradigm, ' albeit in differing tradition-specific forms, is often believed to be indisputable evidence which clinches the case for some version of 'inclusivism.' In this important and comprehensive study, Sparks puts this evidence under the microscope of biblical and systematic theology, and shows it to be fundamentally inadmissible."" --Daniel Strange, Oak Hill Theological College, London. ""This important book presents a serious challenge to the prevailing inclusivist understanding of the relationship between Christianity and other faiths. The author brings post-supersessionist readings of Scripture and tradition into the broader field of 'theology of religions' in an original formulation that will have to be taken seriously by anyone concerned with interfaith relations, Jewish-Christian dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of Christ."" --Richard Harvey, allnations, UK ""This book addresses a hotly debated question; how is the Christian church to consider those not reached with the gospel? Dr. Sparks exposes the theological flaws in the argument that such people are akin to those of Old Testament Israel, their religious background preparing them for Christ or being sufficient for salvation. The implications of his thesis are significant for both theology and missions.-Dr --Robert Letham, Wales Evangelical School of Theology ""The relationship between Christianity and other religions is a 'hot' topic both theologically and pastorally. Adam Sparks has shown that much contemporary discussion rests heavily on the redemptive-historical connection between the Old and New covenants. He argues persuasively for the progression of redemptive history and unique significance of the Christ event. This book offers a scholarly challenge to the foundations of the inclusivist position and its relationship to the sweep of Christian theology."" --The Revd. Dr. Liam Goligher, Duke Street Church, Richmond. Adam Sparks is a sessional lect
One of a Kind and Theology in the Public Square: Church, Academy, and Nation
Theology in the Public Square: Church, Academy, and NationOne of a Kind

  • Author

    Adam Sparks

  • Book Format

    Paperback

  • Publisher

    Pickwick Publications

  • Published

    January 2010

  • Weight

    473g

  • Dimensions

    15.3 x 22.7 x 2.1 cm

  • ISBN

    9781606083451

  • ISBN-10

    1606083457

  • Eden Code

    4938818

Featured in

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account
Write a review
      Ask a question
      Open Doors Ad