Though Dr. Harold Netland’s Dissonant Voices is clear, thought provoking, and extremely helpful when thinking about religious pluralism and the question of truth, it is not for everyone. The book is accessible to the more philosophically inclined, but not readily accessible to the average person in the pew. Indeed, there were times when I had to read sections several times to follow his train of thought. That is not so much a criticism of Dr. Netland, but a reflection of the subject matter and my intellect.
Netland states his thesis in the introduction,
I will argue that if we are to have a view of the relation among religions which (a) is epistemologically sound, (b) accurately reflects the phenomena of the various religious traditions, and (c) is faithful to the clear teaching of Scripture, then something very much like the traditional exclusivist position is inescapable. –Page x
Netland starts Dissonant Voices by illustrating how the central beliefs of the world’s religions are incompatible. He does this by comparing the central claims of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Shinto. He compares the answers to three key questions,
What is the nature of the religious ultimate? What is the nature of the human predicament? What is the nature of salvation/enlightenment/liberation? –Page 36
Netland then addresses some of the more prominent misconceptions about religious truth. He argues that religious traditions shouldn’t just be useful, but true. So Netland argues that we can make judgments about the truth or falsity of major religions.
I suggest that the most important question is not what a given religion does for society at large or for any of its members, but rather what it affirms, explicitly and implicitly, about reality is in fact true. The most significant question we can ask of any religion is whether is fundamental claims are true. –Page 165
Netland interacts with John Hick’s belief in religious pluralism and the pluralistic Christologies of Hick and Paul Knitter. It is here that Netland deals with the implications of the exclusivism of Christianity on those who have never heard the Gospel. Netland closes his book by addressing evangelism, dialogue, and tolerance in our society.
Dissonant Voices is especially helpful for those who are thinking through issues of religious pluralism and the exclusive claims of Christianity. It is a great book for those who are leading others in any form of evangelism or mission. I especially enjoyed thinking about the implications of pluralism and the Gospel for our mission as a church, both locally and globally.
Related Post:
Exclusivism is Largely Rejected Today
Three Questions for Other Religions
