The Softening Effect of Philosophical Pluralism
“It is vitally important to recognize that philosophical pluralism has exerted a dramatic “softening” influence on so many people who would disavow radical religious pluralism. It is hard, for instance, to deny the influence of pluralism on evangelical preachers who increasingly reconstruct the “gospel”along the lines of felt needs, knowing that such a presentation will be far better appreciated than one that articulates truth with hard edges (i.e., that insists that certain contrary things are false), or that warns of the wrath to come. How far can such reconstruction go before what is being preached is no longer the gospel in any historical or biblical sense?”
- D.A. Carson, The Gagging of God: Christianity Confronts Religious Pluralism, Pg. 30
I remember reading this book back in the 90′s and being utterly engrossed by it. I love Carson in general (his recent book on “Christ and Culture Revisited” is also a gem), but his insights in “Gagging” were so penetrating and necessary that it should be required reading for anyone who wants to engage our culture with the gospel. It’s unfortunate that it’s so long, thus ensuring that it will not have as wide a readership as it should.
I agree there is a danger in trying different techniques to try to attract an ever changing culture.