Book Critique Assignment Netland
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Book Critique
Christianity & Religious Diversity:
Clarifying Christian Commitments in a Globalizing Age
By
Harold A. Netland
Arrie Elizabeth Harlan
APOL 525 – Pluralism and World Religion
September 27, 2023
Contents
Book Summary
...............................................................................................................................
1
Critical Evaluation
.........................................................................................................................
5
Conclusion
......................................................................................................................................
7
Bibliography
...................................................................................................................................
8
ii
1
Introduction
In recent years, Pluralism has seen an increase in popularity with the rise of modern
technology. Globalization has progressed rapidly, and there are many questions about how
Evangelical Christianity will fit into the contemporary plan. Because of his missionary work in
various cultures and pluralistic settings, Harold A. Netland has first-hand knowledge in the field
of Pluralism and is considered to be an expert on the subject. As a Professor of Philosophy of
Religion and Intercultural Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, his practical experience
and knowledge make his book a more insightful work. Netland's valuable contributions to both
cultural and religious studies have helped to make religion more accessible through globalization
and, in addition, make it widely more acceptable. Christianity & Religious Diversity examines
how a globalized world has changed beliefs, Christianity being one of the most unique among
them. Written in two parts, the following critique will present a short overview of the writing in
part one, and in part two, the paper will offer a critical evaluation. This paper will discuss the
strengths and weaknesses of the book while summarizing, analyzing, and evaluating Christianity
and Religious Diversity.
Book Summary
According to Netland, the primary purpose of Christianity and Religious Diversity is to
"clarify certain basic concepts, to show how religions have been shaped by modernization and in
turn adapted to it, and to explore some of the epistemological issues arising from Christianity’s
new awareness of religious diversity."
1
Chapters 1-4 of Part 1, confront the dual objective and
establishes how Religion interacts in today’s societies. Part 2, Chapters 5-8, focuses on the
unique claims of Christianity and how Christians can remain faithful while living as true
1 Harold A. Netland Christianity & Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian
Commitments in a Globalizing Age (Grand Rapids, MI: BakerAcademic, 2015), x.
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2
neighbors in the context of globalization. Netland claims that his motivation for writing this book
was to provide a more responsible approach to theology beyond biblical interpretation. The
following summaries examine each chapter and provide a brief summary of the content.
The groundwork for the remaining chapters is laid out for the rest of the book in Chapter
1, “Rethinking Religion(s).” The insights of theologian Karl Barth are overemphasized, resulting
in a bad name for Religion in contemporary Christianity, especially at the popular level.
2
According to Barth, there is a vast distinction between man's religious efforts and God's efforts
that result in true Religion. Even through the church, one must be careful not to throw the
proverbial "baby out with the bath water." It is helpful to maintain the category of Religion in
dealing with non-Christians, and Netland asserts one should be clear about what he means by
Religion in his mind and to others. Because of the differences between the definitions of
phenomenological and theological, Netland recommends a combination of both. According to
Netland, Christians will no doubt need to develop a theology of religions from scripture, but he
or she should be sure that they have an accurate understanding of the specific religion in
question.
3
Hoping to provide a basic framework for understanding religion, Netland points out
that there are both theological and phenomenological approaches. One of the theological
perspectives of religion is that God created human beings. Creation, sin, grace, and death are all
themes from a theological perspective. No matter your religious affiliation, you are inherently
religious. One should acknowledge that all people have a basic view of God.
4
It is this
perspective that determines specific values and teachings.
2 Netland, Christianity & Religious Diversity, 4.
3 Ibid., 9
4 Netland, Christianity & Religious Diversity, 8.
3
The modernization’s effects on religion are addressed in Chapter 2, “Secularization,
Globalization, and the Religions.” Netland points out that religions "are not static entities… they
change… as they respond to fresh circumstances."
5
In particular, globalization has brought the
various world religions into contact with each other, bringing a new awareness and often
resulting in less certainty about the exclusive claims of a given religion. As a result, diversity of
thought has increased.
In Chapter 3, “Buddhism in the Modern World,” Netland provides a specific example of
how globalization can impact Religion. Focusing on Buddhism, Netland discusses how
Buddhism has adapted to find an expression in worldwide cultures. He documents Buddhism's
many changes encountered in various cultures. He discusses the three primary schools of
Buddhism, including Theravada Buddhism, Vajrayana Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism.
Netland also discusses the three schools of Mahayana Buddhism: Zen Buddhism, Pure Land
Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism. He points out that since coming to America in the 1840s,
Buddhism became a philosophically sophisticated and spiritually profound movement that
detached from the crass and superstitious practices of Christianity.
6
One theme in Buddhism is
that it does not aggressively seem to convert people. It does not view other religions as wrong or
dogmatic. It also gives a surefire way to ease suffering and fear.
Netland’s Chapter 4, “Jesus in a Global, Postcolonial World,” shows how Jesus merges
into various world religions. Jesus, arguably the most influential person in human history, must
be factored into the theologies of world religions as they progress.
7
It is virtually impossible to
ignore him. Great thinkers and leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, John Hick, and Shusaku Endo,
5 Ibid., 41.
6 Ibid., 92.
7 Ibid., 103.
4
glorified Jesus as a great teacher while denying his divinity. Each group maintains the elements
of Jesus' teaching that fit their beliefs, providing their interpretation where necessary.
Chapter 5, “Can All Religions Be True?,” directly confronts pluralism. Despite the
popularity of pluralism, Netland argues that when it comes to fundamental truths, such as the
nature of the cosmos, they cannot be and not be at the same time.
8
While every world religion
contains elements of truth, they cannot all be fundamentally true.
Chapter 6, “On the Idea of Christianity” as the One True Religion, establishes what is
required in claiming that Christianity is the only true Religion in the ultimate sense.
9
Netland
explains that advocates of religious pluralism point to exclusivism as the source of religious
violence, and therefore exclusivism should never be accepted. Netland shows that this issue is
different. One may see their Religion as irreconcilably different from another but still respect the
person's right to choose what Religion they will follow. According to Netland, a practical view of
truth must never be accepted for an objective view of truth in determining the truthfulness of a
religion.
10
True Religion is a religion whose central claims correspond to reality.
Chapter 7, "Religious Diversity and the Reasons for Belief," puts forth Netland's
argument that the minimalist approach is insufficient and that Christians, to some degree, should
provide reasons for their beliefs.
11
This chapter challenges Alvin Plantinga and reformed
apologetics on the usefulness of evidence for Christian theism.
8 Ibid., 140.
9 Ibid., 167.
10 Ibid., 170.
11 Netland., Christianity & Religious Diversity, 202.
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5
Chapter 8, “Living with Religious As Jesus's Disciples,” diversity deals with the
reality of pluralism in our current context and how Christians should engage. Netland believes
that Christians have an obligation to be both faithful to Jesus and good citizens.
12
Hence,
Christians can accept the laws of the land and respect religious freedom while still adhering to
Christ's truth claims. Christians should share the good news and follow this principle by making
disciples with love and respect.
Because each of the eight chapters in Netland's work has been summarized, the critical
evaluation will be addressed.
Critical Evaluation
Netland's unique work should receive high praise. His broad knowledge of world
religions, philosophy, apologetics, history, and sociology shines through. Chapter 2 was
particularly insightful. Netland discredits the common notion that modernization ultimately leads
to secularization. Netland shows European secularization to be the exception rather than the
general rule. He also does a masterful job of showing that no religious system is static but that all
change and adapt as they interact with other cultures, which enables the Christian to understand
that while the core truths of the gospel are unchanging, the expression of Christianity can adapt
to its receiving culture in many ways. Another strong point of the book is its explanation of how
pluralism rose to prominence. Technology has allowed people to have access to multiple world
views. This exposure shows that many of the caricatures presented are false. Opposing world
views may have wise and upstanding proponents that leave the adherent feeling less sure about
their beliefs. While acknowledging the reality of pluralism, one must recognize that pluralism
cannot stand on its merit. Netland encourages the Christian needs to know why he believes what
he believes and be able to communicate that to others. Christian Witness in a Multi-religious
12 Ibid., 232.
6
World states, “Christians are to speak sincerely and respectfully; they are to listen in order to
learn about and understand others’ beliefs and practices and are encouraged to acknowledge and
appreciate what is true and good in them.”
13
Another strength is Netland's interaction with Plantinga and reformed apologetics. His
treatment is fair and balanced, pointing out many strengths of the reformed argument. However,
he shows that insisting on belief without evidence alone is unnecessary at best and harmful. An
appeal to natural theology helps establish theism, and then one can go on to establish the core
Christian doctrines. What's more, Netland makes a strong case for Christians living as faithful to
Jesus while being good citizens. In protecting the religious freedoms of others, the Christian is
protecting his religious freedom, and in the context of freedom, the soundest ideas have the
opportunity to thrive.
There were no glaring weaknesses in the book, but one suggestion might be offered as to
the final Christological section. Netland advocates for an evidentialist approach to apologetics.
This approach involves establishing theism through natural theology and then establishing Christ
as the divine savior. Netland only includes a little interaction with the vast evidence for Jesus’s
historicity and resurrection. More interaction with the historical evidence for Christ and how that
relates to apologetics would have been helpful. This criticism is minor, however, and overall, the
information on the uniqueness of Jesus was thorough.
Netland’s Chapter 3 on Buddhism also included more information about Buddhism’s
interaction with Christianity and not just modernism. While the chapter was very perceptive in
understanding modernism, the failure to connect it with Christianity left the chapter unfinished
and disjointed from the thesis.
13 Netland, Christianity & Religious Diversity, 239.
7
Conclusion
In conclusion, all Christians are encouraged to read Netland's work if they are searching
for a better understanding of the issues surrounding pluralism. Netland's unique experience and
broad range of knowledge give him an authoritative voice in the phenomenon of pluralism.
Globalization is a fact that the modern Christian must accept. Hiding behind the church and
refusing to engage the culture will not suffice. Jesus calls us salt and light to the world, which
requires a loving and fearless interaction. Netland's work will help equip the Christian for that
interaction. An informed Christian will be able to view globalization as an opportunity rather
than a threat. Technology brings nations to our doorstep and accelerates the Great Commission.
The challenge must be approached head-on. Christianity and Religious Diversity serve as a
valuable resource in breaking down stereotypes and helping Christians to find common ground
with world religions while maintaining faithfulness to the exclusivity of Christ. Though all
religions may contain truth, they cannot all be true in the ultimate sense. Netland's work helps
clarify why that is so and should be on the shelf of every Christian concerned about the vital
survival of authentic Christianity amid a pluralistic, globalized world.
WORD COUNT
: 1924
Bibliography
Netland, Harold A.,
Christianity and Religious Diversity: Clarifying Christian Commitments in a
Globalizing Age,
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2015.
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