God's Rivals: Why Has God Allowed Different Religions? Insights from the Bible and the Early Church

by Gerald R. McDermott

In the providence of God, why are there other religions? Was the God of the Bible wise in allowing for them? Can they serve any purpose? Gerald R. McDermott explores reflection on teaching from the Old and New Testaments and from a number of key teachers from the early church to suggest an answer to this perplexing but intriguing question. In the end McDermott provides considerable insight into the troubling clash of world religions and offers a helpful Christian response.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion, Biblical Studies, Church History

181 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

Gerald R. McDermott (PhD, University of Iowa) is Jordan-Trexler Professor of Religion at Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, and Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion. He is the author or editor of ten books, including God's Rivals: Why Has God Allowed Different Religions? and Claiming Christ: A Mormon-Evangelical Debate.

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

McDermott asks the question, why has God allowed other religions. This is a question that all Christians must ask, for if Jesus is the true Lord and Savior than what about all these other belief systems? McDermott quickly rejects two common extreme views: that all other religions are demonic and completely false or that all other religions are also true. The Bible gives both positive and negative judgments on other religions, so the truth is somewhere in the middle. In the first chapter he briefly discusses recent Christian opinion which has often been neatly divided into exclusivism (Jesus is the only savior and explicit knowledge of him is needed for salvation); inclusivism (Jesus is the only savior but explicit knowledge may not be needed for salvation); pluralism (Jesus is one of many saviors). He shows how this triad has been dismantled in recent years and shows that solid answers are still wanting.

Chapters 2-4 deal with the Biblical evidence. In chapter 2 he shows how in the Bible there are examples of people who had some knowledge of God outside of Israel and the church, such as Naaman in 2 Kings. Chapter 3 focuses on the Old Testament, noting that much of the OT recognizes the existence of other gods, but that they are subordinate to the one true God YHWH (even to the point where they do not qualify as "gods"). Chapter 4 discusses the NT, focusing on Paul's theology of the powers and giving a good bit of time to the fact that Paul was able to quote Greek philosophers in Athens, indicating there is some truth in the religions (McDermott emphasizes that in the Greek world philosophy was in many ways a religion, so he groups the two as such).

Chapters 5-8 focus on the views of early fathers of the church on other religions: Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria and Origen. Justin Martyr argued that there were seeds of truth in the other religions, placed there by God, but only personal knowledge of God comes in Christ. Irenaeus put forth a salvation history in which God was always working through the religions in some way, but the fullness comes through Christ. Clement argued that just as Jews had a covenant to prepare them for Christ, so too the Greeks had a covenant, albeit a lesser one, in which their philosophy prepared them for the Gospel. Origen also sees some truth in the other religions, but emphasized the danger, especially of immature believers, in studying these religions for they also were filled with falsehood.

In chapter nine McDermott draws these strands together. God allowed the religions because he loves humanity; the good these religion brings is better than no religion at all and the truth in them prepared them in some way for the Gospel of Christ. While religions get their truth from the Logos (Word of God, second person of Trinity) they also were rooted in fallen spiritual powers that have rebelled against God and demand their own worship. McDermott concludes with practical lessons we should get from this, such as a respect for adherents to other religions, a recognition of commonality, a challenge to our own commitment to Christ, and a spur to evangelism.

Overall I found this a very helpful book. McDermott does not look for easy answers (the extremes mentioned above). He recognizes that from where we stand now, we can't answer questions like where the religions came from and what is their purpose with certainty. But starting with the Bible, and with help from early Christians who lived in a very pluralistic religious culture, we can find informed answers. More importantly, such answers stay focused on the supremacy of Christ but move us to minister to adherents of other religions with respect. Really we ask nothing more of adherents of other religions than we ask of ourselves: critique of life in the light of Christ. Just as some things in other religions are true and some are not, so in the Church or our individual lives we have things that are true and some that are not.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine survey of the Biblical data and views of some early church thinkers on the subject, but far too optimistic in its conclusions about the redeemable aspects of other religions.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book, formed as a question, is something I've never thought much about. To me, it's much like asking why God has allowed sin, or death, or babies to die, except at a much less vexing or grotesque level. I figure God has allowed other religions to exist for many of the same reasons that He has allowed sin to exist. There is enough contention as to the answer of that question so I won't wander into its territory, especially since that discussion has little to do with a book review.

The fascinating thing about this book is the idea of what the other gods, hosts, and principalities are that the Bible talks about. I only recently heard an extended discussion on this topic, which was the first time I recall hearing anything in depth on the subject (meaning, Biblical references and insight rather than just passing remarks). Mr. McDermott runs through several Scriptures pertaining to gods in the Bible, and constructs a plausible scenario that explains who they are, where they came from, why God created them, and how they influence people in the world. In the process, he leads readers into a logical conclusion from a spiritual standpoint about why other religions exist. From this, Mr. McDermott springboards to an answer of his question about the purpose, from God's eyes, behind these religions.

The second half of the book focuses on what early Christian theologians held about gods, demons, and other religions. This too is fascinating, though less so than the first half of the book.

In his preface, Mr. McDermott states that he started with a much longer book that was edited down at the suggestion of editors. After finishing the book, I wished that I could read his originally intended book to dig even deeper into this mysterious area of gods, hosts, and principalities. Though he likely is not correct about all his theories and Biblical interpretations, Mr. McDermott raises some very thought provoking ideas and challenges. It is doubtful that one could read it without being caused to consider or reconsider one's notions on religions and their place in the spiritual realm.

[Paul Creasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

As a follower of Michael Heiser and his book "The Unseen Realm" as well as a follower of "The Lord of Spirits" podcast, this is a great companion book. Very insightful and informative. I highly recommend.

[JonM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just a book about insights. It is not pretending to be the final word on the subject. But it is both relevant and enjoyable, so for that I gave 4 stars

[Shane Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some fine material but I don't think the author ever really answered the main question of this book?

[Johan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind changing information. Enjoying the book very much. Highly recommended.

[Neh · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing it, now I understand why it's got 3.61 stars. I am giving it 4 stars. I expected the quality of the argument carry throughout the book but around the penultimate chapter it dwindled to some bizarre territories. Maybe a chapter or two should have been written, to deal with supposed possibilities of post-mortem conversion or the Millennium. Some things...he goes about half a step further than we ought to, in my opinion.

He has almost become one of my favorite authors, as he is very erudite and thorough, and writes clearly and effectively didactically. but I started losing my respect for him on some points -- using BCE and CE was a bit annoying, splitting Isaiah into two was also disappointing, and willing to acknowledge the scholars' guess that Ephesians and Colossians might not be Paul's writings.. well, who cares. Who's the reader here? Theological and biblical libtards? Is it Intervarsity Publishing that made him take these stances?

[Charles Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the origin and usefulness of other religions. If you enjoy Dr Michael Heiser and his divine council worldview, this book shows how that worldview was very much a part of the early church from not only new testament scriptures, but also the writings of the patristic fathers. (Heiser is not cited in this book but is certainly vindicated in that the divine council worldview was held by the apostles and early church)

[Taylor Englund · Rating 5 out of 5]

McDermott delivers a gem on a topic not often addressed by pop Christian media. Even if you disagree with the optimistic conclusion, the survey of both Biblical and early church fathers is an excellent read for any one who wonders about other religions, why God allows them, and how we should think about them.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it doesn't completely answer my questions about the destiny of people who have never heard of Jesus, it provides a lot of interesting insight into the origin of other religions and how Christians should relate to them today.

[Samuel Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative

[Mr S Jarvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting points, page 31 on the knowledge of God outside the Hebrew and Christian Tradition. 😎

[Lashawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. The bulk of the book was McDermott examining the question through how the Israelites, the early church, and early theologians saw it. I appreciated the history because most of it I never heard of before. But the book raised more questions for me than answers.

I had a hard time believing the early church view that the different gods, who they considered real, were originally angels who rebelled against God. In fact these angels were supposed to be ambassadors to the other nations for God. But they got corrupted by power and took all of God's worship for themselves. So let me get this straight: not one god stayed on God's side? Not even one? Either we're not getting the whole story, or God (excuse the blasphemy) is not a good creator.

(And here's a third thought: who says the gods can't come back God? One of the earlier theologians Origen, thought this might be possible. Then again, he was already considered a little wacky for castrating himself for God, when he was a teenager.)

What did strike me was how perception the spirit world changed throughout the Bible and early church history. In the Old Testament, there were other gods; God was considered the highest among them, and God used them to be ambassadors to other cultures. When we get to the new Testament, those gods are now angels who had become corrupted by their power; come early church history, those angels have been demons all along, and finally, we get to today's mindset that there never were any gods to begin with--only God himself.

So which view is right? All of the above? None of the above? Was it just our understanding of the gods that changed, not the gods themselves?

Which leads to my second question "How did myth and culture influence the shaping of the gods in culture?" Anything to do with myth was completely missing from the book, which isn't surprising, considering this book takes the spirit world very seriously. I think I'll have to look for that answer elsewhere.

Despite my questions, the book did argue against treating other religions as taboo or something to fear. We can even use other religions to deepen our understanding of God. McDermott says other religions are not our enemies (although the spiritual beings behind them are, whatever they are). The reason why God allows other religions is to give a glimpse of Himself to him, and that we should use that glimpse as an invitation to open dialogue about Truth. But if that's the case, why only glimpses? Why not fully? Why just reveal himself to just the Israelites? The only way I can see this working is if God revealed himself to earlier people in the beginning, and then each people group began to see God their own way, and then that became other gods and...

Gahhhh...now I'm thinking in circles. And as you can see, my questions are not answered.

I guess this book is good for getting the history of how other religions are seen in the church, and I deeply appreciate that. It did also give me a new way to look at other religions. But ultimately, I don't think the book provides an answer to its own question.

[Doug Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do the religions of the world come from? And if Christianity is the true religion, why does God allow the existence of the others? In this book Gerald McDermott presents some "old" answers to these age-old questions.

The Bible addresses the first question by discussing the origin and status of the gods of the nations. Deut 32:8-9 hints that at Babel, God assigned administration over the nations to members of his "divine council" of angelic beings while choosing to work more directly with the descendants of Abraham. At least some of these administrators failed the assignment (Ps 82) and rebelled against God (Deut 32:16-17; Ps 106:37; Dan 10:13,20), apparently preferring that their nations worship them. Though defeated at the cross (Col 2:10), these powers persist in opposing God (Eph 6:12) until their final subjugation (1 Cor 15:24-26). The biblical data suggest that ancient religions contained some truth---coming from God through his angels and humans created in his image---along with error and distortion contributed by both angels and humans.

The early church, which had to deal with a diverse mix of Greco-Roman religions, basically accepted this reading of Scripture. McDermott describes insights contributed by the Church fathers Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen. These theologians present God as a patient teacher who allows both his angelic and human creatures to exercise free will and gradually leads them toward him, working with the choices they make to carry out his plan. Those choices include various religions, which contain some seeds of truth along with error and can provide first steps toward the full truth in Christ.

McDermott concludes with suggestions on how to approach world religions on the basis of biblical and patristic insights.

I would recommend this book, in particular, as a complement and supplement to Michael Heiser's work. McDermott's discussion of the church fathers shows how prevalent the "Deuteronomy 32 worldview" was in early Christianity.

[Sara Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerald McDermott’s book God’s Rivals, examines the teachings of the Bible and early church concerning other religions. He opens with contrasting the biblical authors’ view of religion to contemporary thought. They did not define religion as a separate entity from other elements of culture as is done today. Contemporary believers readily accept truth and beauty in other elements of culture such as art, science, and moral. Likewise, though salvation is only through Christ, believers should accept there can be truth and beauty in other religions too.

Religions are not simply products of human thought and culture. They have supernatural origins. McDermott presents many Old Testament and New Testament references to the real spiritual component of other religions. Additionally, despite the deceptive and rebellious roots, religions can still can be used by God.

McDermott develops his ideas further by examining the writings of Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement, and Origen. These early church writers all agree on the supernatural origins of the religions and God’s ability to utilize them to some degree to point people to Christ through whom salvation is ultimately gained.

Of importance for the church of today, other religions exist because God has allowed humanity to live in freedom. God is not threatened by other religions and can use them to point to himself. People who follow these religions are not the enemy. They need to hear the gospel message lovingly and respectfully. However, the spiritual forces are real and are the true enemy.

[David Herrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guy tries to really honestly look at the reason why God allowed the existence of other world religions. It's worth the read just for the first few chapter's look at the Biblical theology of world religions in the Old Testament. He validates what many OT readers have intuitively figured, but were too scared to admit: ancient Israelites actually believed there were sub-gods other than Yahweh-- he calls this "necessary pluralism." He argues that progressive revelation througjout the OT, led to a toned down version of this and a more traditional monotheism later in years. Challenging. I'm still not sure I'm in total agreement, but worth the read, just to blow your mind open a bit.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book looks at the presence of other religions from a Christian point of view. The author asks what the place and meaning of other relgions is in light of the Christian revelation. The author concentrates on how this question is answered in the Bible and the early Church Fathers. The book is interesting and readable, but I wish the author had explored the other traditions a bit more to give some insight on them rather than lumping them all together in a generic way.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Half through the book. The appeal to me is the research that gives some insight into what the Bible writers believed and wove in about pagan religions, and what the early church fathers perceived about them. The OT writers gave us explanations for life and gave a path for humans to follow and satisfy our need for understanding the world. So, it is important to realize how they wove in the beliefs of the time when they were writing.

[Steve Wynkoop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book addressing the question of why other religions exist by considering the biblical teaching on the issue as well as early church fathers' thoughts. The author concludes that the Bible teaches that there exists other divine beings created by Yahweh who rebelled and may be behind the other religions. This was also the view of the church fathers studied by the author. I highly recommend this book for a look at the divine council as taught in scripture and by the early church fathers.

[Kristen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, LOVED this book! Great survey of the concepts of god(s) in the Old Testament and how to reconcile them while remaining faithful to the YAHWEH!