Ralph Martin (1)

The question of whether and how people who have not had the chance to hear the gospel can be saved goes back to the beginnings of Christian reflection. It has also become a much-debated topic in current theology. In Will Many Be Saved? Ralph Martin focuses primarily on the history of debate and the development of responses to this question within the Roman Catholic Church, but much of Martin's discussion is also relevant to the wider debate happening in many churches around the world.
In show more particular, Martin analyzes the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, the document from the Second Vatican Council that directly relates to this question. Contrary to popular opinion, Martin argues that according to this text, the conditions under which people who have not heard the gospel can be saved are very often, in fact, not fulfilled, with strong implications for evangelization. show less

Will Many Be Saved? is an explanation of what Vatican II really says about salvation outside of the faith, and how flawed interpretations of this have weakened missionary efforts. After giving a history of the development of the Council's statement on the matter, the author looks at the first three chapter of the Book of Romans, which back it up.

He then focuses on two major post-conciliar theologians who have salvation theories contradict the statement: Karl Rahner and Hans Urs von show more Balthasar. The thesis is that ideas such as theirs that focus on the idea that all men are saved, in spite of the fact that the Church teaches the opposite, has resulted in a dramatic decrease in missionary activity just when it is most needed. Pope John Paul II started what is called the "New Evangelization", but he author argues that it will take a popular refocusing of the Church's salvation teaching if it is ever truly to be achieved.

Salvation and missions are interesting topics because they are so important but because they are not "PC" do not get the discussion they warrant. If anything, Martin's book is an excellent discussion starter, even if it is a bit dense at the beginning. The part on Romans is what really made things clear for me. Highly recommended for those looking for a detailed take on the current Catholic teaching on salvation. show less

Great review of the Catholic faith. Even on topics that I thought I knew well Father Ker was able to open them up and describe them in a way that deepened my understanding.

A must read for all sincere God–seekers—one of the most unique and comprehensive guides to the spiritual life I've seen. In The Fulfillment of All Desire, author Ralph Martin provides an unambiguous compass to the life–giving water we are all thirsting for.

This book is positively rich in" helps" for the person seeking sound spiritual direction, and wanting to learn how to rightly order and cultivate a good interior life. Ralph Martin has written the" go–to" guide for any question you show more have about spiritual direction and making progress in the spiritual life. All the information you need, from a most trustworthy source—I highly recommend it!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is soul searching. show less