Iron Sharpens Iron: DR. CHRISTOPHER W. MORGAN: "WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER HEARD: Can the Unevangelized Enter Heaven?"

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

DR. CHRISTOPHER W. MORGAN: "WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER HEARD: Can the Unevangelized Enter Heaven?"

DR. CHRISTOPHER W. MORGAN, author, Professor of Theology and Associate Dean of the School of Christian Ministries at California Baptist University, will address the often asked, age-old question: "WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER HEARD: Can the Unevangelized Enter Heaven?"

The above question is the central theme of the book "FAITH COMES BY HEARING: A Response to Inclusivism" edited by our guest today, Christopher W. Morgan, along with a previous guest on "Iron Sharpens Iron", Robert A. Peterson. The debate over this question swirls and feelings run deep. What is the fate of the unevangelized? The traditional position--that apart from an explicit faith in Jesus no one is saved--seems to have fallen out of favor with many evangelicals. Here is a passionate but irenic response to the arguments of those who believe that the unevangelized can (or might) be saved apart from knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Building on the insights of others, nine scholars introduce readers, even those with little background, to the ongoing discussion. Key questions--Is general revelation sufficient? Are other religions salvific? Do holy pagans exist? Must faith be explicit? Is exclusivism unjust?--are probed and answered from a biblical, theological and historical perspective.

The book's positive thrust is summed up by editors Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson: "God is passionately engaged in gathering people to know, love and worship him from every tribe, language, people and nation. And he has called us to join him on this mission."

As Professor of Theology and Associate Dean of the School of Christian Ministries at California Baptist University, Dr. Chris Morgan teaches courses in theology, pastoral leadership, and preaching. He has also served as a pastor for seventeen years. His Ph.D. is in theology from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary . In addition to the book we are discussing today, Dr. Morgan is the author of "Jonathan Edwards and Hell," co-author of the commentary "James: Wisdom for the Community," and general editor of and contributor in "Hell Under Fire," as well as "Suffering and the Goodness of God,"which is due Oct. 31, 2008, and other upcoming volumes in the “Theology in Community” series.

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