dynamics of theology faith as a dimension of the human

Dynamics of Theology

Faith as a Dimension of the Human


Background Faith is a universal human phenomenon There is a need to probe deeper into the

theology of faith Why? Since an understanding of the

nature of faith gives us interpretations of the meanings of statements (theological)that flow from faith


Faith as Universal Human Phenomenon All human existence consists in freedom Freedom is not merely the power to

choose; rather, it is to act in a stable and consistent manner

Freedom to dedicate the self and act purposefully, among others


Faith as Universal Human Phenomenon Freedom, though, is not really freedom

unless it passes into action Full reality of freedom consists in action Freedom-in-action, in turn, carries with

it the necessity of faith


Faith as Universal Human Phenomenon Human freedom in action never seeks

nothingness Beneath individual actions, there is a

quest for a purposeful whole, one not concerned merely with finite objects (maze analogy, Harry, Frodo)

No finite object can supply what is demanded by the logic of human action


Faith as Universal Human Phenomenon This non-availability of finite objects

makes faith a constitutive part of human life

People have a “center of gravity” that they adhere to, a balancing act of individual choices and decisions

This center of gravity shows that faith is a common human phenomenon


Faith as Universal Human Phenomenon But faith raises the question, “What

supreme reality is most worthy of the dedication of human freedom?”

Value of human freedom may be measured by object of faith


The Nature of Faith Faith is both subjective and objective,

passive and active It is an actual human response to

reality, not just intellectual assent or emotional feeling

Faith is both central and centering


The Nature of Faith Commitment of faith entails a

dependence on the values one surrenders the self to (passive)

But also, it entails a response: Fidelity and loyalty to the object of faith in the form of action (active)


The Object of Faith Should be transcendent, unlimited,

absolute since human beings want to be, and be fully

If the object of faith is not transcendent (i.e. nation, power, wealth), it is not genuinely religious

Affirmations that are warranted by empirical evidence are not theological


Faith and Knowing Since object of faith is transcendent, it

cannot be known in the ordinary or empirical sense

Faith has a cognitive dimension, but does not simply involve a knowledge of things that can be mastered or quantifiably verified


Faith and Knowing What people commit themselves to in

faith is not ordinary knowing since the object of faith is transcendent

One is dealing with faith because one does not fully know the answer

Verification of the object of religious faith can only be eschatological


Faith and Knowing Because object of faith is transcendent,

it must be given and revealed to the person

Faith is to transcendent as knowledge is to finite reality of the world

However, faith interacts with knowledge through imagination, interpretation and ideology


Faith and Beliefs Faith is more than belief; beliefs are

expressions of faith but distinct from faith itself

Believing suggests acceptance of something as true on the basis of testimony or word of another

Faith is a surrender and loyalty of the whole person


Faith and Beliefs Beliefs about Christianity have changed

over time with a variety of thought systems and pluralism of ideas

However, Christian faith in God still remains unchanged


Faith and Beliefs Faith exists alongside imaginative

portrayals of the object of faith These arise from knowledge of the

world, which vary by culture or tradition

Beliefs cannot represent a truth for anyone apart from faith

Affirmation of faith requires faith


Faith as Praxis Faith is faith in that which ultimately

guides and directs one’s actions Faith is constituted by one’s behavior,

not by what one merely says What do we live for? What directs our

actions? Doctrines and beliefs are principles of

action (not just description, but prescription)

dynamics of theology faith as a dimension of the human

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