Alister McGrath has had a tremendous impact on the renaissance of evangelical theology over the last twenty years. Regarded as one of the most widely read living theologians his theological work and writings has made an immense contribution to the vitality and dynamics of evangelical theology. This book invites evangelical theologians from various backgrounds to engage with his work and to chart a positive way forward for evangelical theology. Part One follows the theology of McGrath on justification, redemption, theology and science and post-liberal theology, whilst Part Two examines the essence, character, identity, methodology and future of evangelical theology. Contributions include Graham Tomlin, Gerald Bray, Clark Pinnock, Gabriel Fackre, William Abraham, and a response given by McGrath himself. 'This is a very significant volume, with contributions from numerous scholars who have been influenced by Dr McGrath or are his colleagues. They come from both sides of the Atlantic, and embrace many aspects of Alister's encyclopaedic knowledge and phenomenal literary output... And unlike most Festschriften this one has a fascinating characteristic; a final chapter in which Professor McGrath responds with grace and shrewdness to the points raised by the contributors. This is an important book to buy.' Canon Dr Michael Green, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. 'It is a privilege and a pleasure to commend this set of weighty and wise essays that is being published to mark Professor Alister McGrath's fiftieth birthday... God be with you, Alister, as on you go. In a somewhat different sense from that of the old-time gladiators, I and many more of my generation say: nos morituri te salutamus. May your range and your acumen not diminish, your clarity not be clouded, and your vision of evangelicalism as the true wisdom, the true catholicity, and indeed the true Christianity never blur. Hold high the torch that has been passed to you and keep the books coming. We need them.' From the foreword by J.I Packer

Voted one of Christianity Today's Books of the Year What is the fate of those who die never hearing the gospel? Do Hindus, Jews, agnostics and others who do not profess faith in Christ really suffer damnation after death? These and similar questions have long been contemplated by people from every religious persuasion and every walk of life. But in a culture of increasing diversity and growing doubt in the existence of "objective truth," it seems ever more pressing. In this Spectrum Multiview volume three scholars present the span of evangelical conviction on the destiny of the unevangelized. Ronald Nash argues the restrictivist position, that receptive knowledge of Jesus Christ in this life is necessary to salvation. Gabriel Fackre advocates divine perseverance, with the expectation that those who die unevangelized receive an opportunity for salvation after death. And John Sanders sets forth the inclusivist case-asserting that though God saves people only through the work of Jesus Christ, some may be saved even if they do not know about Christ. As each scholar presents his own case and responds to strengths and weaknesses of differing positions, readers are treated to a lively and informative debate. What About Those Who Have Never Heard? is a truly helpful book on one of today's-and every day's-most crucial questions. Spectrum Multiview Books offer a range of viewpoints on contested topics within Christianity, giving contributors the opportunity to present their position and also respond to others in this dynamic publishing format.

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) -- whom President Barack Obama famously named as his -favorite philosopher- in a 2007 interview -- was arguably the most influential American theologian of the twentieth century. Gabriel Fackre's Promise of Reinhold Niebuhr has long provided a compact introduction to Niehbuhr's life and thought. With Niebuhr's enduring legacy again rising to prominence in political and religious circles, Fackre has reworked his standard account of this iconic -visionary realist- for a new generation. In this revised and updated third edition, Fackre crystallizes key themes in Niebuhr's writings, addresses and debunks -Tall Tales- that have sprung up around Niebuhr's legacy, and applies Niebuhr's thinking to twenty-first-century theological and cultural issues.

Revelation is the study of how, when, and where God reveals himself and of what is disclosed. This book is an excellent introduction to revelation that brings its subject into the theological inquiry of the next century. In discussing the major themes of the narrative of revelation, Gabriel Fackre provides an overview of the traditional models of revelation, introducing readers to the work of such twentieth-century giants as Barth, Tillich, Rahner, and Henry. He also provides dialogue with other formative figures, such as Pannenberg, Dulles, Berkouwer, Torrance, and Lindbeck. By focusing on Scripture, while also making reference to the core secondary literature, Fackre leads readers through the key concepts involved in the construction of a biblically centered doctrine of revelation.

An original work in systematic theology, The Christian Story rises from, and strives to be a resource to, the life and witness of the church and its leadership. In addition to covering the standard teachings of Christianity-the doctrines of God, creation, the fall, covenant, Christ, salvation, church and consummation-Volume 1 presents Fackre's introduction to systematic theology. This revised third edition develops in more detail the doctrine of the Trinity, takes up the issues of religious pluralism and Jewish-Christian dialogue, and offers a perspective on angelology. New appendices discuss inclusive language and describe the surge of writing in the field of systematic theology.

Christians looking for a refresher course in the essentials of their faith and general inquirers seeking to know the historic beliefs of Christianity will find answers to their questions in Christian Basics. Arranging basic theological beliefs in a narrative form, Christian Basics highlights the Christian story as Scripture tells it: it begins with creation and moves on to discuss the Fall, God's covenants with Noah and Israel, Jesus Christ, the church, salvation and consummation. Both the prologue and the epilogue of this story focus on God, an intentional structure which shows that the Christian story is grounded in the purposes of the triune God. Supporting this narrative are various charts that portray the "chapters" in the Christian story, different views on the Atonement, ways of understanding the Bible in relation to the traditions of the church and human experience, the diverse aspects of the church's mission, and the relation of clergy to laity. In simple language with a creative flair, the authors also confront contemporary issues ranging from science and secularism to the rise of fundamentalism and to the "new age" spirituality, offering guidelines for living a spiritually rich life as well as a summary of the Christian doctrines. A glossary is included to aid readers in understanding theological terms. As a jointly written project, this book draws on the experience of both men and women in the interpretation of Christian faith, an important perspective in a day when inclusivity of viewpoint is crucial. The authors' shared pastoral and teaching background roots their writing deeply in the life and mission of the church, and their discussion is permeated by a joyful gratitude that readers will find inspiring. This practical guide promises to be as fundamental an introduction to Christian belief and life as John Stott's Basic Christianity.

Discusses the fundamental doctrines of Christianity concerning God, creation, salvation, Jesus Christ, and the mission of the Church.