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As is often the case with this series, the book suffers from poor editing. All of the essays are worth reading, but they generally don't deal with the alleged topic of the book. For example, Prof. Hick tells us that he believes in universal salvation and that he has written a book arguing for this position, but he doesn't give his reasons in the essay. Prof. McGrath touches on the issue, but not in any great detail. Prof. Pinnock deals with the topic in a limited manner. It is only Profs. Geivett & Philips who actually go into the question in some detail. They provide an exegesis of Acts 4:12 and some other passages. However, none of the other contributors responds with any detailed exegesis. What is often seen as the key passage concerning the salvation of non-believers -- Romans 2 -- is only mentioned in passing. So, this book is really a discussion of religious pluralism, not salvation.
In spite of my criticism, I think this book is helpful to anyone who wants a background on the general issue of religious pluralism. If you are looking for a discussion of evangelical views of the salvation of non-believers, then this isn't the place to look.
Without a good understanding of the meaning of salvation, it is hard to be confident about who it may or may not apply to. However, the WHO question seems to be of more concern than the WHAT, WHY and HOW questions to most people interested in questions of salvation.
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The author's own viewpoint is poorly argued. For example, Hick suggests that the traditional Christian doctrine of the immortality of the soul is untenable due to the emergence of the scientific mind. Hick suggests that anything which cannot be demonstrated as being in accordance with empirical science should be discarded. However, Hick then goes on to say that ESP, clairavoyance (sp?), and other psychic nad paranormal phenomena should be counted as reliable evidence for the existence of life after death (I wonder what empirical scientists would say about this). The author then turns to the eastern religions and panentheism to provide a picture of what eternal life may be like (but without any convincing arguments). On the whole, I think that this book is a waste of time.
Imagine taking a ride through the various theories of life after death as presented by various religions, each one being presented so that you say, "Wow -- now this is it." Hick, in his masterful way, then says, "No, not really, and here's why..." So, throughout the book (although the first 200 pages are less thrilling)you are being led through this maze all the time wondering if, by the time the book ends, you're doing be presented with something that makes sense. The ride is worth it -- you are well rewarded.
Again, nearly anything by Hick is worth reading, but this is a book to settle down into and give yourself up to. It's not light reading by any means, but it is fascinating.
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I recommend "Truth in Religion" by Mortimer Adler.
In this book Hick has taken a different tack toward this goal. Instead of being didactic and scholarly, he posits and replies to questions from two fictional characters Phil and Grace, corresponding to philosophers and theologians, and argues the issues of pluralism. The result is a lively and readable dialogue that tries to anticipate and answer many of the readers' questions.
As always Hick is a joy to read and his points are, needless to say, well-taken.
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Hicks has done a noteworthy job in bringing a concise introduction to Chinese medicine to the interested novice. Hicks describes the book in her introduction as "an informative guide to Chinese Medicine and is not meant as a self-help book for treatment." Hicks accurately points out in her book "we will discuss each of the Chinese medicines in turn and hear from some of the patients who have used the different treatments" Included are many reactions from patients regarding their experiences with the practitioners. It is exactly what the reader would like to hear before visiting a new doctor. These relayed experiences remove the mystery, fear or uncertainty anyone would encounter when he or she are ready to make the move into uncharted territory. Thorsons Principles of Chinese Medicine does a good job of "putting the practice of Chinese Medicine in a nutshell."