Faith and Understanding (Reason & Religion) - Softcover

Helm, Professor Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802844510 ISBN 13: 9780802844514

Publisher: William B Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1997

Synopsis

Beginning with Augustine, philosophers and theologians have felt it necessary not only to cogently articulate the content of the Christian faith but also to defend philosophically the reasonableness of faith itself. Faith and Understanding is the first book-length study of the "faith seeking understanding" program and the central issues that arise from it-the relation between faith and reason, the claims of natural theology, and the pursuit of the vision of God. In Part One Paul Helm provides a general discussion of these themes, seeking both to contextualize the debate and to engage with contemporary philosophical discussion of the relation between faith, reason, and understanding. Part Two contains five case studies that illustrate the work of seminal figures in the tradition. They include treatments of Augustine on time and creation, Anselm on the ontological argument and the necessity of the atonement, Jonathan Edwards on the nature of personal identity, and John Calvin and the sensus divinitatis, focusing on the way in which Calvin has been appealed to by contemporary Reformed epistemology. Providing a modern treatment of an abiding theme in the philosophy of religion, this book is a clearly written introduction to the subject.

About this title

From the Publisher

Faith Seeking Understanding
While much innovative and important work in philosophy of religion has been done on the relation between faith and reason, this is the first book-length study of the "faith seeking understanding" program and the central issues that arise from it.

Part 1 of the book provides a general discussion of the faith seeking understanding program and the claims of natural theology, seeking both to contextualize the debate and to engage contemporary philosophical discussion of the relation between faith, reason, and understanding. Part 2 contains case studies intended to illustrate the work of seminal figures in the tradition, including Augustine, Anselm, Jonathan Edwards, John Calvin, and others. Providing a modern treatment of an important theme, this book is a clearly written introduction to the subject.

About the Author

Paul Helm is Professor of the History and Philosophy of Religion at King's College London.

Edition details

• Publisher: William B Eerdmans Publishing Co
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802844510
• ISBN 13: 9780802844514
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224