Faithful Doubt

Focussing on three philosophers - Giorgio Agamben, Jacques Derrida, and Slavoj Zizek - Faithful Doubt argues that atheism can be redeeming. Far from being inhospitable to faith, doubt is increasingly necessary for theology. As well as introducing the thought of contemporary philosophers, 'Faithful Doubt' examines the significance of popular entertainment and nrrative. Novels by Ursula K. Le Guin, Neal Stephenson, China Mieville, and others are read alongside 'Star Wars' and 'Battlestar Galactica'. Fiction highlights the fluid nature of the sacred and the secular. On the question of evil, 'Faithful Doubt' suggests that wisdom lies in acknowledging uncertainty. Weaving the story of Job together with St Augustine, Donald MacKinnon, and Eleonore Stump, evil exemplifies the necessity for doubt within theology. 'Faithful Doubt' brings a new perspective to debates about the relationship between faith and reason. Concluding with a discussion of Soren Kierkegaard, Collins presents a compellingcase for harnessing atheism and doubt in service to Christian faith. In order to doubt wisely we need to heed the faith of the faithless.

Focussing on three philosophers - Giorgio Agamben, Jacques Derrida, and Slavoj Zizek - Faithful Doubt argues that atheism can be redeeming. Far from being inhospitable to faith, doubt is increasingly necessary for theology. As well as introducing the thought of contemporary philosophers, 'Faithful Doubt' examines the significance of popular entertainment and nrrative. Novels by Ursula K. Le Guin, Neal Stephenson, China Mieville, and others are read alongside 'Star Wars' and 'Battlestar Galactica'. Fiction highlights the fluid nature of the sacred and the secular. On the question of evil, 'Faithful Doubt' suggests that wisdom lies in acknowledging uncertainty. Weaving the story of Job together with St Augustine, Donald MacKinnon, and Eleonore Stump, evil exemplifies the necessity for doubt within theology. 'Faithful Doubt' brings a new perspective to debates about the relationship between faith and reason. Concluding with a discussion of Soren Kierkegaard, Collins presents a compellingcase for harnessing atheism and doubt in service to Christian faith. In order to doubt wisely we need to heed the faith of the faithless.

Faith and doubt. Many assume these are polar opposites. Many Christians think the presence of doubt cancels out faith or makes them somehow unworthy to go to God. Many non-Christians assume they could never have faith because they have so many doubts about the God of the Bible. But what if faith and doubt aren't the polar opposites we often think they are. And what if the expression of doubt can actually be a sign and expression of a healthy faith? If we read through Scripture, we find the puzzling fact that doubts and questions about God and his ways are quite prevalent. In that sense, the entire book of Habakkuk could be described as one man's wrestling with God and boldly stating his questions and doubts. In Faithful Doubt, Travis Scott explores the ancient prophecy of Habakkuk to see how it helps us better understand the relationship between faith and doubt and how the practice of faithful doubt is a necessary part of a healthy spiritual life.