Gabriel J. Fackre

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.

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.

An introduction to the life and thought of the 20th-century theologist, Reinhold Niebuhr. The author focuses on how Niebuhr relates hope to realism and, in this edition, takes up the Niebuhr dialogue with feminists, pluralists, neopacifists and neoconservatives.

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.