Faith Within Reason

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 A collection of previously unpublished papers written by the late Herbert McCabe O.P., it examines the nature of religious belief, especially belief in God, with an eye on both theological and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.

Brian Davies is Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University, New York, USA. His publications include An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion (Oxford University Press, 3rd edition, 2003) and The Thought of Thomas Aquinas (Oxford University Press, 1992). Herbert McCabe was a Dominican Friar and theologian of outstanding originality who died in 2001. He was deeply influential on philosophers such as Anthony Kenny and Alasdair MacIntyre and poets and writers like Terry Eagleton and Seamus Heaney.

Philosophically and theologically highly informed, conversational in style and free from unnecessary technical terms, inductively biblical/credal in approach and delightfully illustrated with literary and everyday examples, not lacking a touch of humor and some healthy irony, these writings are a refreshing read for everyone interested in theology and an eye-opening presentation of the central tenets of Christian faith. -- Louvain Studies 34 Review in Estudios Filosoficos, 2010 "Here is the latest collection of unpublished papers of the late Herbert McCabe, and what a treat it is. The combination of crystal logic, sparkling wit, and interrogative fides quaerens intellectum, deeply informed by Aquinas and richly modulated by Wittgenstein, are again on bravura display...excellent." -- Kim Fabricius, Faith & Theology 'As one has come to expect of McCabe, there is wonderful clarity to the writing.' Canon David Brown, Church Times -- Canon David Brown, Church Times, October 2007 * Church Times * "McCabe has been influentual in creating the commonest modern account [of Aquinas]" Canon Brown, The Church Times, October 2007 -- Canon Brown * Church Times * "a wonderful clarity to the writing" Canon Brown, Church Times, October 2007 -- Canon Brown * Church Times * "McCabe had written important articles during the 'Myth of God Incarnate' controversy and the clarity of his thought shines through in a sermon which is a model exposition of the Christian faith." New Directions, July 2007 -- Owen Higgs * New Directions * Chapter extract in The Tablet * Tablet, The * "This is a book that has much to offer professional academics and general readers alike. It is the work of a born communicator, who has the power to inspire and to touch the heart, as well as to argue his case with care and with rigour. Christianity could do with more such advocates" -- John Cottingham * Tablet, The *