Faith in Certain Terms

This book explores the relationship between certainty and faith in the Christian faith, providing a historical analysis and addressing contemporary debates. It argues for a fallibilist understanding of Christian faith and addresses arguments that threaten it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate relationship between certainty and faith within the Christian faith, posing profound questions such as: How can Christian believers attain unwavering certainty in their beliefs about God? Should they entertain doubts about the assurance of their salvation? The chapters present a comprehensive historical analysis, spanning from the early Church to modern times, while also taking into account the diverse confessional perspectives. The author embarks on a thoughtful exploration of contemporary debates in analytic epistemology, delving into the certainty and fallibility of our beliefs. Through a fallibilist lens, he advocates for a nuanced understanding of Christian faith. Additionally, the book addresses less-explored arguments that pose threats to the certainty of faith, offering a compelling account of faith as a cognitive practice. This work will captivate scholars of both theology and philosophy, offering valuable insights into the core aspects of faith and belief.

Introduction:
In the realm of faith, the relationship between certainty and belief is a complex and multifaceted issue that has captivated the minds of theologians and philosophers for centuries. This book aims to explore this relationship in depth, examining how certainty and faith intertwine within the Christian faith. It seeks to answer the critical questions of how certain can Christian believers be about their beliefs about God, and whether they should doubt the assurance of their salvation.

Certainty of Faith:
The chapters in this book provide a comprehensive historical analysis of both the certainty of faith and the assurance of salvation. The author delves into the early Church's understanding of these concepts, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers and providing them with the assurance of their salvation. As the Christian faith evolved, various theological debates and controversies emerged, challenging the certainty of faith. The author examines these debates, exploring the arguments put forth by both proponents and opponents of various doctrines.

Assurance of Salvation:
The assurance of salvation is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, providing believers with the peace of mind and confidence that they are saved from eternal separation from God. However, doubts and questions about this assurance can arise, particularly in the face of challenging circumstances or personal struggles. The author addresses these concerns, offering insights and perspectives on how to maintain a strong sense of assurance in one's faith.

Contemporary Debates:
In the modern world, analytic epistemology has become an important field of study, exploring the nature and validity of our beliefs. The author engages with contemporary debates in this field, discussing the certainty and fallibility of our beliefs. He argues that a fallibilist understanding of Christian faith is more in line with the reality of human cognition and the limitations of our knowledge.

Less-Discussed Arguments:
While the book focuses on the certainty of faith and assurance of salvation, it also addresses some less-discussed arguments that threaten the certainty of faith. The author explores these arguments, offering insights and perspectives on how to confront and overcome them. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a robust and resilient faith in the face of adversity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between certainty and faith within the Christian faith. It raises important questions that require thoughtful consideration and analysis. By examining the historical, theological, and epistemological aspects of this relationship, the author offers valuable insights and perspectives that will be of interest to scholars of both theology and philosophy. The book encourages readers to deepen their understanding of faith and to embrace a fallibilist perspective that recognizes the limitations of human knowledge and the importance of humility and perseverance in one's spiritual journey.

Weight: 485g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032517780