Ralph Martin - Will Many Be Saved?: What Vatican II Actually Teaches and Its Implications for the New Evangelization

For many years we have all appreciated Dr. Martins considerable contributions to the mission of the Church. Now he gives us a profound doctrinal foundation for understanding and implementing the new evangelization. This is a shot in the arm for bishops, priests, and laity as we respond to the Holy Fathers call to cast out into the deep in proclaiming the person, message, and invitation of Jesus Christ. This book is now on my shelf of trustworthy reference points.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan

Archbishop of New York

President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

On the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, the missionary purpose and inspiration of the Council is being revisited. Ralph Martin clarifies a doctrinal point that has been often obscured but must be recovered as a necessary foundation for the new evangelization. This is a uniquely important book.

Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.

Archbishop of Chicago

The new evangelization involves a personal deepening and renewal of our faith, a confidence in that belief, and a willingness to share it. Dr. Ralph Martins book Will Many Be Saved? contributes significantly to a richer understanding of our faith, helps restore confidence in the gospel message, and engenders a desire to share the truth of Christs message. An important contribution to the pastoral strategy of the new evangelization.

Donald Cardinal Wuerl

Archbishop of Washington, D.C.

If the pastoral strategy of Vatican II has led to practical universalism in certain quarters, this reading of the Council provides a refreshing reminder of the undiminished urgency and validity of the missionary mandate of Jesus to his followers to evangelize.

Peter Cardinal Turkson

President, Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice

The Churchs call to a new evangelization could be undermined by doctrinal confusion or uncertainty about whether anything ultimate is really at stake. Ralph Martins book shows how the teaching of Vatican II both on the possibility of being saved without hearing the gospel and on the significant limitations regarding that possibility is firmly in continuity with Scripture and tradition. These penetrating reflections will compel us to reassess our pastoral approach to the preaching of the gospel in our present circumstances and will command the attention of all those who take up the challenge of the new evangelization. An important book.

Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia, O.P.

Vatican City

At the heart of the Churchs mission is the ongoing need for evangelization. Our response to the new evangelization will lack enthusiasm and conviction if we dont realize whats truly at stake here our eternal salvation in Christ. Ralph Martins book provides much-needed clarity on these very important issues.

Archbishop Robert Carlson

Archbishop of St. Louis, Missouri

With depth and clarity, Ralph Martin shows what the authentic teaching of Vatican II actually is regarding the conditions under which its possible to be saved and, therefore, the urgency of bringing the confident proclamation of the Good News to all. I highly recommend that all Catholics and other Christians concerned with salvation give this important book the attention it deserves.

Bishop David L. Ricken

Chairman, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis

Here is a scholarly shout, a bracing splash of cold water. The unique vocation Christ gave to Ralph Martin evangelist-scholar explains the wonderful tone of this vital work evangelical and urgent but sober and disciplined in its argument. Life is not about drifting into salvation; it is about choosing to let Christ heal our affection for sin. In this book the teachings of Vatican II come alive again and we rediscover the authentic doctrine of salvation. What a contribution!

Deacon James Keating

Director of Theological Formation, Institute for Priestly Formation, Creighton University

Martin has written a thoughtful and thought-provoking book. He convincingly demonstrates, in his careful attention to the relevant texts of Vatican II, that what is at stake for many, in whether they hear the gospel or not, is nothing less than eternal life.

Thomas G. Weinandy, O.F.M., Cap.

Executive Director, Secretariat for Doctrine, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

A good read, long overdue. Martins book shakes the foundations of theological optimism about the salvation of nonbelievers. His careful, detailed examination of Scripture, tradition, and Vatican II reveals that Rahners anonymous Christianity and von Balthasars hope alike suffer from grave deficiencies. Hence Martin calls for a revival of Christian missionary enthusiasm, which has been flagging due to deficient interpretations of Vatican II and a flaccid humanism. The mandate for mission is essential to the Church since Christ founded her for that purpose.

Fr. John Michael McDermott, S.J.

Sacred Heart Major Seminary Member of International Theological Commission of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (20042009)

This clearly written and carefully researched book is essential reading for anyone who would understand the theological backdrop to the evangelical stagnancy of the last half-century and appreciate what a renewed evangelization will require. Martins thorough analysis of magisterial texts and thoughtful critique of theological commentaries, notably those of Karl Rahner and Hans Urs von Balthasar, are a signal service to the Church. This book makes a crucial contribution to the fields of missiology and ecclesiology.

Fr. Peter Ryan, S.J.

Kenrick-Glennon Seminary

This well-researched and clearly written study manages to be both historical and topical; that is, it not only seeks to establish with precision what Vatican II actually said about the possible salvation of non-Christians but also relates this teaching to contemporary issues and controversies. It is very convincing. This is an important contribution to establishing with clarity the essential doctrinal foundations of the New Evangelization.

Fr. Kevin Flannery, S.J.

Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome

Ralph Martin has provided a remarkably clear and thorough evaluation of the problem posed from within by universalist theologies which if not addressed will undermine the new evangelization. While Catholics today are preoccupied with hierarchy, governance, and power, Martins work takes us much closer to the theological issues upon which everything else pivots.

Russell Hittinger

University of Tulsa

The zeal of Catholics for evangelization has been significantly undermined since Vatican II by false interpretations regarding both the nature and the necessity of the proclamation of Jesus Christ to all peoples. Martin unveils the deepest roots of the deception while presenting a pastoral vision aimed at re-awakening the Church to her central mission. It should give us great hope that Pope Benedict XVI has recognized the importance of Martins insights on the New Evangelization by appointing him as a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization.

Deacon Daniel Foley

Member, US Bishops National Advisory Council

Even though Im a businessman without theological training, I found Ralph Martins book compelling and had a hard time putting it down. Its fascinating to see how well-known theological theories end up weakening the rationale for evangelization. This book cleared up a lot of confusion for me, and I know many other Catholics like me would benefit from it greatly.

Chris M. Hall

President, Repairclinic.com

A bold yet careful study that addresses the most difficult and pressing theological issues related to the Churchs mission and the new evangelization. Martins close reading of