Faith as a Dimension of the Human Dynamics of Theology Faith as a Dimension of the Human

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 a Dimension of the Human 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 a Dimension of the Human 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 a Dimension of the Human 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 a Dimension of the Human 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 a Dimension of the Human 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

Faith as a Dimension of the Human 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

Faith as a Dimension of the Human 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)

Faith as a Dimension of the Human 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 as a Dimension of the Human 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 as a Dimension of the Human 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 as a Dimension of the Human 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 as a Dimension of the Human 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 as a Dimension of the Human 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 as a Dimension of the Human 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 a Dimension of the Human 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)