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Gavin D'Costa's Theory of the Unevangelized: A Continuing Assessment
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 January 2024
Abstract
Gavin D'Costa has distinguished himself as a leading voice in the field of theology of religions, and not just among Roman Catholics. His Trinitarian approach to the subject has also garnered respect among Protestants, such as Reformed theologian Tan Loe-Joo. Yet Tan is concerned that D'Costa compromises the Trinitarian framework of his approach by conflating universal salvific will and salvific grace, and that his use of limbo falls short of satisfying the scriptural principle that faith comes by hearing (Rom 10:17). This article is an evaluation of D'Costa's theory as it relates to the former issue concerning salvific will and grace. I seek to show that Tan's worry stems more from an incomplete theological delineation of grace than from an actual shift in D'Costa's theological position. I then suggest a solution that provides some common ground from which both Catholic and Protestant theologians can seek a resolution to the latter issue concerning the principle of faith by hearing.
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- Copyright © 2018 Provincial Council of the English Province of the Order of Preachers
References
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11 D'Costa, Christianity and World Religions, 163.
12 Ibid., 24.
13 Ibid., 25. The fides ex auditu refers to the scriptural principle that saving faith comes by hearing the preaching of the gospel; Rom 10:17.
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25 See, Ibid., 103-108.
26 Ibid., 190.
27 D'Costa, Christianity and World Religions, 189.
28 For example, see, DS 693.
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46 Ibid.
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52 Ibid.
53 Ibid., 172-173.
54 Ibid., 174.
55 Ibid.
56 Ibid., 176.
57 Ibid., 177.
58 Ibid.
59 Ibid., 174.
60 Ibid., 174-175.
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66 D'Costa, Theology and Religious Pluralism, 18.
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73 Ibid., 103; emphasis original.
74 Ibid.
75 D'Costa, Christianity and World Religions, 175.
76 Ibid., 189.
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88 Tan, “Gavin D'Costa's Trinitarian,” 15; emphasis original.
89 Ibid., 15; quoting, D'Costa, The Meeting of Religions and the Trinity, 108-109.
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91 John Paul II, “Redemptoris Missio,” 29.
92 D'Costa, The Meeting of Religions and the Trinity, 108-109; quoting, John Paul II, “Redemptoris Missio,” 29.
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104 This statement reflects Romans 10:17 and the five solae of Protestantism – sola Scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria.
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