Christian and Buddhist approach to religious exclusivity. Do interfaith scholars have it right?

Buddhist-Christian interfaith scholars1 are quick to denounce what they perceive as religious exclusivity. So when it comes to the major views on just how true and salvific the religions can be, it is no surprise that Exclusivism is ruled out automatically. What is surprising is how inevitable it is that when Buddhist-Christian interfaith scholars commit to any view – whether Inclusivism, Pluralism, or Relativism – they themselves end up committing the sin of exclusivity. Whatever view they entertain turns out to be too exclusivistic for somebody, by having too particular a saviour (Exclusivism), too particular a salvation (Inclusivism), too particular a metaphysics (Pluralism), or too sceptical a religious outlook (Relativism).2 To make matters worse, the further the interfaith scholar cycles away from Exclusivism in an attempt to elude exclusivity, the further she wanders not only from Christianity, but from Buddhism as well. Thus, by attempting to unite the two religions, the interfaith scholar finds herself at odds with both sides. Truly, it seems the interfaith scholar has no place to lay her head. By consulting interfaith scholars’ own writings, this paper describes their dilemma in finding such a place

The Whole Counsel of God: A Tribute to E. Herbert Nygren

Herb Nygren has served Taylor University faithfully for over twenty years. As chair of the Department of Biblical Studies, Christian Education, and Philosophy, he has modelled sound teaching and solid scholarship. Upon retirement, he leaves us a legacy of dedication, service, and love for Christ. The members of his department offer these essays as a small token of our esteem.https://pillars.taylor.edu/ayres-collection-books/1019/thumbnail.jp

In the beginning God : a fresh look at the case for original monotheism

xvi, 368 p.; 23 cm