Reason Informed by Faith


Book Description

Excellent textbook introduction to the basic issues of fundamental moral theology that considers all of today's moral issues. +




Faith Within Reason


Book Description

Is it possible to think about religious beliefs philosophically? Should religious beliefs be viewed as a flight from reason or as capable of rational support? Can theologians learn from philosophers? Can philosophers learn from theologians? Is it possible to be both a good Christian and a good thinker? Can there be such a thing as reasonable faith? This book is chiefly concerned with these questions and others related to them. A collection of previously unpublished papers written by the late Herbert McCabe O.P., it examines the nature of religious belief, especially belief in God, with an eye on both theological and philosophical arguments. Some thinkers have sought to drive a wedge between philosophy and theology. Like Thomas Aquinas, whose writings he especially admired, McCabe seeks to show how the two can be systematically connected. Some religious truths, he argues, may defy our understanding. But this does not mean that they cannot be reasonably discussed.




Seat of Wisdom


Book Description

The Catholic Church has always recognized that philosophy is necessary both to understand the faith as well as to defend it. The need for a philosophically informed faith has become more acute with the rise of secularism. Seat of Wisdom demonstrates that the philosophical principles developed in the Catholic tradition, especially as articulated in Thomism, provide the intellectual foundation for belief in God and are also the only reliable basis for a fully coherent vision of man’s place in the world. Seat of Wisdom begins with an exploration of the relationship between faith and reason. Philosophy’s essential role is to discover the rational principles underlying the intelligible order of reality. These principles act as a bridge connecting science and religious faith, enabling the believer to integrate all facets of human experience. Each of those first principles, as expressed in the transcendental properties, are then analyzed as the basis of the major philosophical disciplines. Starting with metaphysics’ study of being, the argument proceeds to consider the true, the good, and the beautiful in terms of epistemology, anthropology, ethics, aesthetics, and political philosophy. Lastly, these principles are shown to point to God as creator. The strength of the Catholic philosophical tradition is evident when contrasted with reductive theories which fail to account for the breadth of human experience. Consequently, each chapter will introduce influential philosophers whose inadequate theories inform contemporary assumptions. Against this, the Thomistic argument is elucidated as being inclusive of the insights of the reductive position. It will be seen that this “both/and” approach is the only way to do justice to the glory of God and the gift of creation. Religion is prey to skepticism when it is isolated from the rest of knowledge. This integrative argument, uniting discussions of nature, politics, and theology according to common principles, enables the reader to grasp the unity of wisdom. Moreover, by engaging alternative positions, it provides the reader with tools to defend the Catholic worldview against those reductive philosophies which only deprive life of its full meaning.




Faith, Reason, & Earth History


Book Description

Faith, Reason, and Earth History presents Leonard Brand¿s argument for constructive thinking about origins and earth history in the context of Scripture, showing readers how to analyze available scientific data and approach unsolved problems. Faith does not need to fear the data, but can contribute to progress in understanding earth history within the context of God¿s Word while still being honest about unanswered questions. In this patient explanation of the mission of science, the author models his conviction that ¿above all, it is essential that we treat each other with respect, even if we disagree on fundamental issues.¿ The original edition of this work (1997) was one of the first books on this topic written from the point of view of an experienced research scientist. A career biologist, paleontologist, and teacher, Brand brings to this well-illustrated book a rich assortment of practical scientific examples. This thoughtful and rigorous presentation makes Brand¿s landmark work highly useful both as a college-level text and as an easily accessible treatment for the educated lay person.




The Way of Goodness and Holiness


Book Description

How do ministers, whether lay or ordained, form their spiritual life? What practices do they need to foster in order to become good and to be holy in their service? To answer these questions, Richard Gula invites readers to think along with him about the kind of minister they want to be: If we don't know where we want to go," he writes, "we will easily end up somewhere else." Gula then presents a variety of virtues? Including gratitude, self-care, humor, and courage? and explains how developing these qualities is essential for a minister's moral and spiritual life. By grounding a spirituality for pastoral ministry in the virtues, Gula provides a way for ministers to bridge the gap between who they are and who they hope to become in imitation of Christ Jesus.




Modern Physics and Ancient Faith


Book Description

A considerable amount of public debate and media print has been devoted to the “war between science and religion.” In his accessible and eminently readable new book, Stephen M. Barr demonstrates that what is really at war with religion is not science itself, but a philosophy called scientific materialism. Modern Physics and Ancient Faith argues that the great discoveries of modern physics are more compatible with the central teachings of Christianity and Judaism about God, the cosmos, and the human soul than with the atheistic viewpoint of scientific materialism. Scientific materialism grew out of scientific discoveries made from the time of Copernicus up to the beginning of the twentieth century. These discoveries led many thoughtful people to the conclusion that the universe has no cause or purpose, that the human race is an accidental by-product of blind material forces, and that the ultimate reality is matter itself. Barr contends that the revolutionary discoveries of the twentieth century run counter to this line of thought. He uses five of these discoveries—the Big Bang theory, unified field theories, anthropic coincidences, Gödel’s Theorem in mathematics, and quantum theory—to cast serious doubt on the materialist’s view of the world and to give greater credence to Judeo-Christian claims about God and the universe. Written in clear language, Barr’s rigorous and fair text explains modern physics to general readers without oversimplification. Using the insights of modern physics, he reveals that modern scientific discoveries and religious faith are deeply consonant. Anyone with an interest in science and religion will find Modern Physics and Ancient Faith invaluable.




Responsibility and Atonement


Book Description

When we do good or harm to others we acquire merit or guilt, deserve praise or blame, reward or punishment, and we may need to make atonement. Others may need to forgive us, or show us mercy. In the first part of this book, the author gives an account of how these moral concepts apply to humans in their dealings with each other. In the second part, he applies the results of Part 1 to reach conclusions about which versions of traditional Christian doctrines utilizing these notions are morally acceptable. He considers the doctrines of sin and original sin, redemption, sanctification, heaven, and hell. - ;Preface; Introduction; PART I: Responsibility: Moral goodness; Moral responsibility and weakness of will; The relevance of free will; Merit and reward; Guilt, atonement, and forgiveness; Punishment; Man's moral condition; PART II: Its Theological Consequences: Morality under God; Sin and original sin; Redemption; Sanctification and corruption; Heaven and hell; Additional notes -




Faith with Reason


Book Description

"Is Christianity Really True?" Every religion has its own set of truth-claims. What makes Christianity so different? FAITH WITH REASON is an introduction to the Christian worldview. It explains how the Christian view of reality contrasts with some of the more popular religious notions in our culture today. Topics include: -- Why all religious beliefs are not equal (and how to identify false philosophical notions and inaccurate religious ideas) -- The real relationship between faith and reason (you've probably never heard this before even though St. Augstine taught this historic, scriptural view) -- How we can know the Bible is actually God's Word (with an approach of 100% absolute certainty) -- Why evolution is religion in disguise (and how materialism is an ultimate faith-view) -- How logic opposes non-Christian religions (based upon their own teachings) -- Why the "problem of evil" actually reflects the existence of an all powerful, loving God (hint: evil is a profound psychological problem, but not a logical one when it comes to biblical faith in God) It's been said that, "Everyone does philosophy, but not everyone does it well." This book serves as a basic primer for believers and non-believers alike to better understand why Christianity offers a faith and philosophy of life unlike any other. "This material should challenge the thinking Christian to examine his or her worldview via a decisively Biblical bent. Written in a very readable style, Joe has captured many of the key apologetic principles of the faith. This work should enhance the walk of every believer who is committed to a diet of the meat of the Word." - Dr. Charles Betters Senior Minister - Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church Joseph Farinaccio (B.A. History) is a Christian writer and public speaker from New Jersey. His previous writings include published articles on theology, history, and politics from a Christian perspective. Further information can be found at: http: //www.FaithWithReason.com




How to Defend the Faith without Raising Your Voice


Book Description

Since it was first released, How to Defend the Faith has given Catholics worldwide a new way of talking about their faith around the dinner table or at the office, getting across the Church's positions on contentious issues without losing their cool. It's about learning the principles that allow you to step outside the negative frames imposed by the news media and being well briefed on what the Church actually thinks about politics, gay people, marriage, women, sex abuse, and other key topics. Now revised and updated, How to Defend the Faith includes new sections on what we can learn from Pope Francis's communication, advice on how to give a talk and be active on Twitter, and many other invaluable tips and principles gleaned from the author's years of putting the Church's case in the media. Find your voice. Embody the new evangelization. Enjoy a new and better way to defend the Faith -- without ever having to raise your voice.




Why Faith Matters


Book Description

With the simultaneous rise of New Atheism and popularity of fundamentalist movements, a rational, open-minded debate on the role of religion today is sorely needed. Why Faith Matters is an excellent start – an articulate, nondenominational defense of established religion in America by the man Newsweek named the #1 Pulpit Rabbi in America. David J. Wolpe makes a strong case in favor of faith, replacing both the cold reason of atheism and the virulent hatred of fanaticism with a vision of religion that is informed by faith, love, and understanding. He explores the origins and nature of faith, the role of the Bible in modern life, and the compatibility of God and science. Why Faith Matters shows that there is still a place for God, faith, and religion in today’s world. Named the #1 Pulpit Rabbi in America by Newsweek, David J. Wolpe is a senior rabbi at the Sinai Temple of Los Angeles and a teacher at UCLA. Rabbi Wolpe writes for many publications, including New York Jewish Week, Jerusalem Post, Los Angeles Times, and Beliefnet.com. He has appeared as a commentator on CNN and “CBS This Morning”, and has been featured on the History Channel’s “Mysteries of the Bible.” He is the author of six previous books, including the national bestseller Making Loss Matter: Creating Meaning in Difficult Times. Rabbi Wolpe lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter. “A reasoned argument and spiritual autobiography. Rabbi Wolpe is a graceful writer, an insightful thinker, and a wide reader.” – Jewish Week