This book promised more than it delivered. McDermott never gets around to suggesting an answer to the question of why God allowed different religions.

He starts with a chapter on “The Scandal of Particularity”, which only heightened my desire to delve into this conundrum. Why does God only speak to some people and cultures? Is the rest of his creation doomed to hell because of it?

Over all, the book is interesting and easy to read. The highlight of the book are the chapters on Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement, and Origen. McDermott’s knack for story-telling makes these old church fathers come alive. It’s good to learn their views on the question as well.

Unfortunately, when you get to the last chapter, all you’ll find is a summary of the preceding ones.

McDermott, Gerald R. God’s Rivals: Why Has God Allowed Different Religions? Insights from the Bible and the Early Church. InterVarsity Press, 2007.