Their Rock Is Not Like Our Rock: A Theology of Religions

by Daniel Strange

The reality of the West’s post-Christendom, multiethnic, multicultural context has meant that, more than ever, Christians face questions posed not simply by the existence of other religions, but also by their apparent flourishing. If secularization is alive and well, then so too is society’s sacralization. Hence, a theology of religions is arguably the most significant concern confronting Christian mission and apologetics in the twenty-first century.

There has been little evangelical theology offering a detailed, comprehensive, and biblically faithful analysis not only of the question of salvation but also questions of truth, the nature and history of human religiosity, and a host of other issues pertaining to Christian apologetics and contextualization amid religious pluralism. In Their Rock is Not Like Our Rock, lecturer and vice principal of Oak Hill College in London, Daniel Strange, explores these issues and offers the beginning of a theology of other religions.

Genres: Theology, Cultural, Evangelism, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion, Christianity

379 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2014

About the author

Daniel Strange was born in 1974 to British and Guyanese parents. After studying theology and religious studies at Bristol University, he completed his doctoral work on the theology of religions under Prof. Gavin D'Costa. From 2000-2005 he was Co-ordinator for the Religious and Theological Studies Fellowship, part of UCCF. He joined the faculty of Oak Hill Theological College, London as Tutor in Culture, Religion and Public Theology in 2005. In 2018 he became the Director of Oak Hill. His book, Their Rock is Not Like Our Rock, received an Award of Merit for Theology/Ethics in Christianity Today's 2016 Book Awards. Dan is a Contributing Editor for Themelios. He is married to Elly, has seven children and serves an Elder at East Finchley Baptist Church. He regularly suffers as a season ticket holder at West Ham United.

Reviews

[Joost Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stretched me, was robust in its treatment of where false religions come from, and why God sovereignly allows them, and filled out my reading list by introducing me to authors I have not yet read.

For apologetics, evangelism, and cross-cultural ministry, I highly recommend it. Academically challenging.

[Jake Rainwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Strange's "Their Rock is not like Our Rock: A Theology of Religions" is tour de force in an area of theology often overlooked by modern evangelicals. Strange's goal is to apply Reformed theology and presuppositional apologetics to the study of religions, and he accomplishes this goal magnificently.

Strange's thesis is, "From the presupposition of an epistemologically authoritative biblical revelation, non-Christian religions are sovereignly directed, variegated and dynamic, collective human idolatrous responses to divine revelation behind which stand deceiving demonic forces. Being antithetically against yet parasitically dependent on the truth of the Christian worldview, non-Christian religions are “subversively fulfilled” in the gospel of Jesus Christ." Essentially, Strange argues that every non-Christian religion both undermines Christianity and simultaneously borrows from Christianity to make sense of their worldview. They are "antithetical" and yet "parasitical."

Strange is incredibly thorough in his argumentation. One is never left wondering how Strange arrived to a certain conclusion. He is meticulous - sometimes to a fault - in how he presents his arguments. It would be difficult for one who holds to Reformed theology and presuppositionalism to disagree with his conclusions.

However, Strange's volume is certainly not meant to be an easy read. He intends for this volume to be used by seminaries and academics, and the prose shows this. Often it felt like chewing multiple saltine crackers. This isn't to say that what he was saying wasn't good - I often found myself audibly agreeing with him as I read - but it takes much more focus than a casual read to glean all that Strange is saying.

Despite the difficulty of the prose (and the innate difficulty of the subject), I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I foresee this text being *the* theology of religions text for years to come. If anyone was interested in how Christians should understand the non-Christian and his worship, this text is an absolute must-read.

[Todd Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will run a full review on www.westernseminary.edu/transformedblog. Here are some quick thoughts:
1. Strange's thesis, which is also his definition of other religions, is as follows: "From the presupposition of an epistemologically authoritative biblical revelation, non-Christian religions are sovereignly directed, variegated and dynamic, collective human idolatrous responses to divine revelation behind which stand deceiving demonic forces. Being antithetically against yet parasitically dependent on the truth of the Christian worldview, non-Christian religions are “subversively fulfilled” in the gospel of Jesus Christ" (42, 335).
2. Daniel Strange is the best evangelical voice on theology of religions. This is my dissertation topic and I have read a lot of writers.
3. Strange is Reformed in his soteriology and his expressed purpose in writing this book was to write a robust theology of religions from the Reformed perspective. Those who share his convictions will love the consistency of his theological approach.
4. His commitment to Reformed theology is also the weakness of the book, because non-Reformed folk will not always agree, though they ought to agree with most and certainly appreciate the lucidity of his writing.
5. Strange is thoroughly biblical and is forthright about leaving simple prooftexting to connect dots theologically.
6. The book never deviates from the explanation of his definition of a theology of religions and the religious other. People may not like his definition, but they cannot accuse him of being opaque in his definitions and argumentation.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to do a fuller review. But this is a red pill. Eye opening. Paradigm shifting. Best theology of religions I’ve come across. Not that no other is needed, but all others are lacking apart from this.

[Dr. Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reformed perspective on the nature and origin of other religions, consider requiring for courses in missiology and/or religions.

[Philip Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed, thorough, nuanced, clever. In this robust work, Daniel Strange investigates the rise of the various world religions from the presupposition that the Christian religion is true.

Each chapter was worth the price of the book. Strange builds on the thought of earlier reformed thinkers in a way that is both in line with the tradition while also addressing new questions creatively. Strange's work is extremely careful and balanced, avoiding both the refusal to acknowledge anything good in false religions and the various attempts to sanction them. If I had to take on the near impossible task of picking a favourite chapter, it'd be Chapter 9: Pastoral Perspectives on the Purpose of the Religious Other. Very possibly one of the best books I have read in my entire life. I hope to return regularly—make it a yearly tradition or something.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing book that seemed to drone on and on over the same things. Every chapter opened with 5-10 page reiteration of what had been said up to that point. This book is much more of a history of how those in the Reformed tradition viewed the history of non-Christian religions. It isn’t till the end of the book that he actually evaluate why “their rock is not like our rock.” When he does this it is briefly touched about. There are some great quotes in here and the bibliography is helpful, so it is not entirely a waste of space.

[Michael Kenan Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm biased but it's great

[Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Christianity is true, why are there so many other religions? Where did they come from? What is their purpose? And how do our answers to these questions affect the way we do missions and ministry? These are all issues that Daniel Strange tackles in this ambitious but brilliant work. Within its pages, Strange seeks to present a full-blown "theology of religions" from specifically a Reformed, evangelical perspective. The book provides a massive survey of both the Old and New Testament's teachings concerning the "religious Other," and in the process draws on the writings of Reformed theologians throughout the centuries ranging from John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, J. H. Bavinck, and Cornelius Van Til to modern authors such as John Frame, D. A. Carson, and Timothy Keller (just to name a few). Strange's book is filled with theological, historical, and missiological insights that combine to make a compelling case for his model of "subversive fulfillment" (which will be summed up below). Though the book is written at an academic level, it is well worth the time and effort it takes to work through the more dense sections in order see the rich, biblical perspective on other religions that it puts forth. The final two chapters -- in which he seeks to answer the "So what?" questions by applying his subversive fulfillment model to approaches to missions and ministry -- are alone worth the price of the book. His thought-provoking main thesis is worth quoting in full:

"From the presupposition of an epistemologically authoritative biblical revelation, non-Christian religions are sovereignly directed, variegated and dynamic, collective human idolatrous responses to divine revelation behind which stand deceiving demonic forces. Being antithetically against yet parasitically dependent on the truth of the Christian worldview, non-Christian religions are 'subversively fulfilled' in the gospel of Jesus Christ."

If that summary whets your appetite for a serious, theologically-deep and historically-informed study of the Scripture's teachings regarding non-Christian religions, then I would highly recommend this excellent book.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible. highly recommend.

“a tradition-specific Christian theology of religions, seeking to interpret the nature, meaning and purpose of non-Christian religions from within what might be labelled "Protestant Reformed Orthodoxy' or alternatively 'Reformed evangelicalism'” (p41)

THESIS: “From the presupposition of an epistemologically authoritative biblical revelation, non-Christian religions are sovereignly directed, variegated and dynamic collective human idolatrous responses to divine revelation behind which stand deceiving demonic forces. Being antithetically against yet parasitically dependent upon the truth of the Christian worldview, non-Christian religions are 'subversively fulfilled in the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

OUTLINE
(1) intro:clearly lays out presuppositions, influences, and his desire to work within confessional limits
(2) discusses creation narrative (creation, fall, promised redemption) as foundational for theology of religions and man as “Homo adorans”
(3) presents his case for remnantal revelation (drawing on van til, bavinck, and secular scholars)
(4) discusses the Babel narrative in conversation with Delitzch, Bavinck, Kline, James Jordan and others
(5,6) then spends a large chunk of the book exploring the idolatry of the religious Other in the OT and then NT
(7) next he provides and defends a tentative framework of the gospel as the “subversive fulfillment” (a term from Kraemer)
(8) discusses the missological implications of his framework and provides a contemporary example of his framework in action through a students’ analysis of sunni islam
(9) finally, he provides pastoral perspectives answering the question “Why has God. ordained the rise and flourishing of other religions, and what purposes do they serve in the divine economy?”

unashamedly influenced by JH Bavinck, Hendrik Kraemer, Herman Bavinck, Van Til, Frame

wow, what a book. i hope to return to this often as a safe haven amidst the turbulent seas of missions work and the often unmoored pondering of missiological interpretation.

[Ken Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible study! Building upon the work of the Reformed missiologist J.H. Bavinck, Strange surveys the biblical texts that have to do with God dealing with the nations before Christ, especially Genesis 11, Deuteronomy 32, and Romans 1. He argues that idolatry is both sinful man's expression of rebellion against the one true God, but also that which God permitted in his providence so that the scattered peoples might grope in their blindness, and that they would in their ignorance be in a position to receive the revelation of the gospel in Christ. His case with regard to the 'devolution' (rather than evolution) of world religions from the true religion revealed in creation and the Garden makes a good deal of sense, and cuts against a lot of 19th century biblical scholarship. I also appreciate that he does not ignore the demonic forces behind idolatry. His reading of salient NT passages, particularly Acts 17, is very helpful. Strange interacts positively with many Reformed thinkers, and insightfully unpacks the notion of "subversive fulfillment" - many apologetic jewels here! Terrific book, stretching, definitely worth your time!

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a couple months to read and commands attention. It is academic yet fills the reader with passion for God and His purposes in the world. I had the privilege to study as student under Dr Strange and his “subversive fulfillment” has greatly shaped my ministry. I also kindled a love for Bavinck who is a source Strange visits often.

[Christopher David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book out there on theology of religions from a Reformed perspective. Strange perfectly balances the discontinuity and continuity between the Christian faith and other religions and ultimately presents a theology that does not compromise on the gospel truth but holds it as sui genus.

[Will Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally thought provoking. Well researched. Well thought out. Definitely worth thinking upon and working out more practically. The essential goal of Strange's work is to figure out where and how we fit other non-Christian religions into our Christian story.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book exploring the relationship between Christianity and other world religions. Draws heavily upon Scripture, Reformed theology, and presuppositional apologetics.

Might be a bit challenging for some lay readers.

[Kylon Brune · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book overall. Well supported thesis. Seemed to drag on in parts. Could have been more concise.

[Nat Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Academically rigorous, thouroughly biblical, decidedly Reformed, and quite convincing argumentation. My go to source now for Theology of Religions.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal - the stuff in here is feels like essential understanding for Christians living in multicultural contexts with (i.e virtually every Christian).

[R Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly not a beach read, but a much appreciated solid biblical Reformed theology of religions.

[Brian Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange draws on the thought of Cornelius Van Til, J. H. Bavinck, Hendrick Kraemer and others such as Vos to formulate the framework for a theology of religions. He lays the foundations for his theology in the Creator-creature distinction and the imago Dei. The point is that the unbeliever is a complex individual, greatly affected by the Fall (hence the antithesis) but still made in God's image and with their sin restrained by common grace.
Strange then turns to how fallen man developed religions. Strange argues in favor of an original monotheism and an "remnantal revelation" that remained in various religious traditions, explaining the "commonalities" between them. Though not dogmatic regarding elements of the exegesis, Strange argues that Babel marks the beginning of false religions in the post-flood world. The dividing of peoples leads to the diversity of religion, while shared memory of remnantal revelation accounts for similarities. He further suggests demonic involvement in the development of religions after Babel.
Strange then looks at the Old Testament's view of other religions. He takes idolatry as the Old Testament's basic category, and he critiques recent attempts to argue that early in the Old Testament there is a greater acceptance of false religion than later. In his treatment of the New Testament, Strange examines the New Testament's teaching on the uniqueness of Christ, and the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. He rejects the claim that God's overlooking sin in the times of ignorance involves a permission for idolatrous religion prior to Christ (and, according to some, at present where Christ has not yet been proclaimed). He also exegetes Romans 1:18-25 to establish the clarity of general revelation and its suppression by idolaters.
With the preceding as a foundation, Strange argues that the gospel brings about the "subversive fulfilment' of other religions. The word "subversive" is important for this thesis. He rejects Gerald McDermott's argument that there can be a fulfillment of continuity with regard to false religion. He presses hard on the fact of the antithesis: since religions are systems there is no truth at all in false religions because whatever might be identified as true is part of a larger false system. And yet, because of the image of God in man, the influence of remnantal revelation, and the influence of Christianity, there is a "pseudo-similarity" and "counterfeiting of true divine revelation" in false religions. The gospel subverts the what is false and shows the true fulfillment of what was being counterfeited.
In the closing chapters Strange looks at the missiological and pastoral implications of his study.
Strange is clear that this book is an outline for a theology of religions. He calls for others to follow behind and fill in the outline or to apply it to specific religions.

[Spencer R · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Full review at SpoiledMilks, 6/19/16)
Doesn’t the poem about the blind men and the elephant teach us that everyone is right because no one knows what the elephant truly is? Can Christians rightly claim that not only does the elephant speak, but that we truly know the Elephant? Daniel Strange has written a hefty theology of religions for the Christian church, especially for Reformed Christians.

Strange’s theology of religions is this: Biblical revelation is authoritative, and non-Christian religions are sovereignly directed, collective human idolatrous responses to divine revelation behind which stand deceiving demonic forces. They are antithetic to and parasitically dependent upon the truth of the Christian worldview. They are ‘subversively fulfilled’ in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Made in the image of God, mankind is made to worship, but after the fall mankind follows a “false faith,” thinking they are independent from God. Instead they “are just as dependent as they ever were, but will not accept it” (93). Chapter 3 explains the commonalities between religious traditions. Ch 4-6 survey how religions developed after the Tower of Babel and the idolatry that followed in the Bible. Ch 7 shows how the gospel subverts other religions and and fulfills them. Chs 8-9 give implications for missions and a pastoral perspective. Might these other religions be a test to the church’s faithfulness?

There is a massive amount of (good) block quotes, however they often broke up Strange’s argument making it difficult to follow. Strange’s writing style is long and dense.

Recommended?
At 338 pages, Strange’s book is large, dense, and it will require time to read and chew on the big concepts he writes about. Though tough, this book deserves time to work through it. You will have a better understanding of the religions around you and will understand how they point to the Christian gospel.

[Phil Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subversive Fulfillment

Daniel Strange has given a wonderful gift to the evangelical world with his theology of religions. As he readily admits, there is nothing "new" in his treatment of other religions, but he does help to bring to light some of the key issues regarding how evangelicals should interact with other faith traditions. I will briefly mention a few. First, Strange writes that the gospel is able to bring "subversive fulfillment" to other religions. Second, he helps the reader to see how some truthful elements can be found in other religions by demonstrating that they are a like parasites on a healthy host -- dependent upon the truth of Christianity. Third, he reconciles the two paradoxical truths that idols are both nothing and demonic. Finally, Strange persuasively argues that other religions are directed by God in order to bring Him glory when they are found to be false and utterly unsatisfying.
This is not an introductory textbook on world religions, and it is probably not for everyone who will seek to be witness for Christ among people from various religious backgrounds, but for those who are interested in the theological and philosophical underpinnings for the idea that evangelicals MUST share the gospel with people from other faith backgrounds, I can highly recommend this book.
Phil Barnes
Missionary in Sub-Saharan Africa

[Mayowa Adebiyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will surely become a future standard textbook on the subject of the religious other. The thesis which is argued over the course of the book is incredibly succinct, though heavy on those big theological words.

Definitely one to read and re-read.

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty accessible despite the scholarly analysis. To be read with pen and paper at hand.