Who is Chosen?: Four Theories about Christian Salvation

Who is Chosen? introduces students to four different theories about Christian salvation. The goal is not to convince anyone to agree with a particular theory, but rather to allow students to be more informed about major lines of thought within Christian theology. Discussion questions and a short critique are provided for each major theory. There are also brief remarks concerning the vexing problem of addressing Christian salvation to those outside of the Christian Church. ""This is a wonderful gem! Who is Chosen? is an ideal introduction to fundamental questions surrounding the theology of election and salvation. Humphries engages perennially thorny questions through a conversation with four key, but markedly distinct, figures: Origen, Augustine, Calvin, and Balthasar. One is struck by the careful and judicious overview Humphries offers each figure. This is an outstanding resource for a theology class!"" --Gerald P. Boersma, Ave Maria University ""Balancing humility and conviction, Dr. Humphries invites one to ponder the seminal matter of Christian faith: salvation. . . . Who is Chosen? elicits critical reflection upon perennial themes of heaven, hell, and free will, while calling upon the reader to contemplate the saving mysteries of God. One is encouraged to direct one's reflections to one's own holiness and missionary service unto others."" --Michael J. Tkacik, Saint Leo University, Florida ""I would recommend this book for students or anyone else wanting an outline they can use to grasp the theological contours which have arisen to answer the questions concerning who will be saved."" --Henry C. Anthony Karlson III, author of The Eschatological Judgment of Christ ""In this text, Humphries unlocks the key sources and questions about salvation with a succinct and insightful examination of four major theories (Origen, Augustine, Calvin, and Balthasar). It will be an invaluable companion to any students who are studying this vexing question."" --Stephen Okey, Saint Leo University ""This is a very well-organized and reader-friendly introduction to some of the important questions pertaining to Christian salvation. Dr. Humphries provides to beginners and seasoned thinkers of soteriology a very helpful guide through some complicated theories of salvation . . . . I recommend this book to teachers and students alike who are interested in basic questions of Christian salvation."" --Brendan Thomas Sammon, St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thomas Humphries is an Associate Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Religion at Saint Leo University in Florida. He is also the author of Ascetic Pneumatology (2013).