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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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)