IVP Academic recently sent me a book to review that I have had on my “to read” list since it was published in 2008. Faith Comes By Hearing represents a collection of essays (edited by Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson) written as a response to evangelical inclusivism. Surely, the title alone will ruffle the feathers of the inclusivist, let alone the strong argumentation found within the pages of this excellent title. 
Let me start by saying that this particular book was not written for those who are foreign to the exclusivism vs. inclusivism debate. Rather, this book represents a truly academic entry into the debate. Christopher Morgan opens up the major portion of the text with a clear and cogent survey of the varying positions within the over-arching categories of exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralism. Morgan goes to great lengths to concisely but adequately explain the nuances found within the three major categories. In short, this is a foundational chapter that cannot be missed if you are to utilize the information within the remainder of the book. Daniel Strange also writes a solid chapter discussing general revelation, however, I believe his argumentation could have been much clearer. Still, his overall case is made in a fairly compelling fashion.
William Edgar’s essay (chapter four), Exclusivism: Just or Unjust? represents one of the highlights of this book. In fact, his essay provides one of the most pointed, true, and chilling reminders within the book. Edgar writes:
But the Scripture claims that what is fundamentally wrong with the world is that humanity has turned against God. Evil, then, cannot be limited to horizontal, human affliction but needs to have its more basic definition in relation to God. Is this so preposterous? Each person must examine his conscience and decide. Ask yourself this: If no one were looking, not even God (presuming you believe in God), what would you really be capable of doing? Or this: Given enough provocation, how far might you go in your cruelty?
Wow! What a question to consider. Edgar makes his case quite clearly that exclusivism is just! This chapter is a must read!
The remainder of this book is well worth its price (especially Walter Kaiser’s essay Holy Pagans?). Even when the argumentation is not as sharp as it could or should be, the information is still quite valuable. On a practical level, the final entry to the book entitled Notable Questions (Peterson and Morgan) provides answers to hard and frequently asked questions. In conclusion, Faith Comes By Hearing represents a very solid critique of inclusivism. This book has become one of my three favorite texts arguing for the exclusivity of Jesus Christ. Be on the look out for my “the top ten books I have read in 2010”, this book may just make an appearance!
Presentation: 5/5
Structure: 5/5
Scholarship: 5/5
Readability: 4/5 (In a few brief spots the argumentation becomes muddled but overall this is an excellent and readable book)
FOR THE GOSPEL 