(Part 1)

JBTM Book Reviews
141
hints, Gerrish fully discloses his invitation to dialogue on the subject of other ways to be
saved through the “great religions” of the world (211). The author endorses a “hypothetical
pluralism,” which is his manner of saying that he believes pluralism enhances ecumenical
dialogue. He does not, however, want to disclose that he is a pluralist “Christian” (211). He is
apparently not satisfied with the maxim Jesus gave of himself in John 14:6.
Finally, for a theologian of Gerrish’s reputation, readers might be disappointed to see an
ambiguous discourse on the doctrine of the Trinity, not to say poor in argument. Basing his
understanding on Augustine’s “Love Trinity,” Gerrish attempts to remove all philosophical
presuppositions or preunderstandings of the doctrine as it has been relayed throughout the
centuries of Christian history. The author does not affirm the traditional view of the Trinity
as God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The end of the work might leave readers
startled, for the author claims that eschatology is simply an “energizing ideal” and believing
in a renewal of the whole creation is “absurd” (318).
For those interested in liberal excursions in dogmatic theology, Gerrish’s work will be
appreciated. Others who expect conservative and traditional theological views will be left
unsatisfied.
- Luis Munoz Bueno, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana
The Community of Jesus: A Theology of the Church. Edited by Kendell H. Easley &
Christopher W. Morgan. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2013. 288 pages. Paperback, $24.99.
One of the greatest needs of the contemporary American church is a robust ecclesiology.
This contribution provides a Baptist account of the church from multiple perspectives. The
editors, Kendell Easley and Christopher Morgan, are professors at Union University and
California Baptist University, respectively.
The first five chapters of the book focus on the biblical theology of the church. Paul House
begins with Old Testament foundations. Though he covers some New Testament texts and
sometimes focuses on the individual believer rather than the corporate life of Israel in the
Old Testament, this is useful background.
Andreas Köstenberger’s discussion of the Gospels examines each book individually and
shows sensitivity to their diverse theological emphases. Easley’s chapter discusses the church
in Acts and Revelation. This pairing seems forced; arguably, Acts should be paired with Luke,
and Revelation with John’s writings. In addition, Easley’s approach is more a lexical study of
New Testament terms for believers and the church rather than a full biblical theology.
David Dockery’s chapter on Paul’s theology of the church is helpful, though there are