Faith Within Reason

Is it possible to think about religious beliefs philosophically? Can theologians learn from philosophers? Can philosophers learn from theologians? Is it possible to be both a good Christian and a good thinker? This book examines the nature of religious belief, especially belief in God, with an eye on both theological and philosophical arguments.

Is it possible to think about religious beliefs philosophically? Should religious beliefs be viewed as a flight from reason or as capable of rational support? Can theologians learn from philosophers? Can philosophers learn from theologians? Is it possible to be both a good Christian and a good thinker? Can there be such a thing as reasonable faith? This book is chiefly concerned with these questions and others related to them. A collection of previously unpublished papers written by the late Herbert McCabe O.P., it examines the nature of religious belief, especially belief in God, with an eye on both theological and philosophical arguments. Some thinkers have sought to drive a wedge between philosophy and theology. Like Thomas Aquinas, whose writings he especially admired, McCabe seeks to show how the two can be systematically connected. Some religious truths, he argues, may defy our understanding. But this does not mean that they cannot be reasonably discussed.

Is it possible to think about religious beliefs philosophically? Should religious beliefs be viewed as a flight from reason or as capable of rational support? Can theologians learn from philosophers? Can philosophers learn from theologians? Is it possible to be both a good Christian and a good thinker? Can there be such a thing as reasonable faith?. This book is chiefly concerned with these questions and others related to them. A collection of previously unpublished papers written by the late Herbert McCabe O.P., it examines the nature of religious belief, especially belief in God, with a.

He argues that the reasonableness of faith depends not only on beliefs about the world but also on beliefs about oneself (for instance about what one wants, about one's hopes and fears) and on what one is willing to trust. Helm goes on to look at the relations between belief and trust, and between faith and virtue, and concludes with an exploration of one particular type of belief about oneself, the belief that one is oneself a believer. This is a book for anyone interested in the basis of religious faith."--BOOK JACKET.

Scientists, historians, philosophers and theologians often engage in debates on the limitations and mutual interactions of their respective fields of study. Serious discussions are often overshadowed by the mass-produced popular and semi-popular literature on science and religion, as well as by the political agendas of many of the actors in these debates. For some, reducing religion and science to forms of social discourse is a possible way out from epistemological overlapping between them; yet is there room for religious faith only when science dissolves into one form of social discourse? The religion thus rescued would have neither rational legitimisation nor metaphysical validity, but if both scientific and religious theories try to make absolute claims on all possible aspects of reality then conflict between them seems almost inevitable. In this book leading authors in the field of science and religion, including William Carroll, Steve Fuller, Karl Giberson and Roger Trigg, highlight the oft-neglected and profound philosophical foundations that underlie some of the most frequent questions at the boundary between science and religion: the reality of knowledge, and the notions of creation, life and design. In tune with Mariano Artigas’s work, the authors emphasise that these are neither religious nor scientific but serious philosophical questions.

In the views of most believers and critics, religion is essentially connected to the existence of a supernatural deity. If supernaturalism is not reasonable, the argument goes, religion cannot be reasonable—or if supernaturalism is reasonable, religion must be as well. Are faith and reason, religion and science, doomed to a constant struggle for the heart of humanity? Steven M. Cahn believes that they are not, that even if God exists, religion may not be justified and that even if religion is justified, belief in God may not be. In Religion Within Reason, Cahn argues that the common understanding of the relationship between religion and supernaturalism is flawed and that while supernaturalism is not reasonable, religious commitment may well be. Writing not as a theist but as one who finds much to admire in a religious life, he examines faith and reason, miracles, heaven and hell, religious diversity, and the problem of evil, using a variety of examples taken from religious thought, literature, and popular culture. Lucidly written in a nonpolemical spirit, Religion Within Reason offers an exciting new approach to the reconciliation of science and religion.

Identifies what is most radically distinctive about Christian belief. Addressed to a non-technical audience, the book helps the reader examine the most basic questions concerning Christian faith.

"Is Christianity Really True?" Every religion has its own set of truth-claims. What makes Christianity so different? FAITH WITH REASON is an introduction to the Christian worldview. It explains how the Christian view of reality contrasts with some of the more popular religious notions in our culture today. Topics include: -- Why all religious beliefs are not equal (and how to identify false philosophical notions and inaccurate religious ideas) -- The real relationship between faith and reason (you've probably never heard this before even though St. Augstine taught this historic, scriptural view) -- How we can know the Bible is actually God's Word (with an approach of 100% absolute certainty) -- Why evolution is religion in disguise (and how materialism is an ultimate faith-view) -- How logic opposes non-Christian religions (based upon their own teachings) -- Why the "problem of evil" actually reflects the existence of an all powerful, loving God (hint: evil is a profound psychological problem, but not a logical one when it comes to biblical faith in God) It's been said that, "Everyone does philosophy, but not everyone does it well." This book serves as a basic primer for believers and non-believers alike to better understand why Christianity offers a faith and philosophy of life unlike any other. "This material should challenge the thinking Christian to examine his or her worldview via a decisively Biblical bent. Written in a very readable style, Joe has captured many of the key apologetic principles of the faith. This work should enhance the walk of every believer who is committed to a diet of the meat of the Word." - Dr. Charles Betters Senior Minister - Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church Joseph Farinaccio (B.A. History) is a Christian writer and public speaker from New Jersey. His previous writings include published articles on theology, history, and politics from a Christian perspective. Further information can be found at: http: //www.FaithWithReason.com