Alister McGrath Theology Basics (2018) Chapter 1: Faith

Summary

In this presentation, Alister McGrath delves into the nature of faith as outlined in his textbook *Theology: The Basics*. He distinguishes between everyday belief and the Christian understanding of faith, emphasizing trust and commitment over mere intellectual assent. Highlighting the dual aspects of faith—trusting in God and the content of beliefs—McGrath references key theologians like Martin Luther and Pope John Paul II to illustrate how faith and reason interplay. The talk also addresses the challenges of doubt and suffering, inviting a deeper exploration of faith as a transformative relationship with God, enriched by both personal experience and theological inquiry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Faith in Christianity is more than just believing in God's existence; it involves trust and personal commitment.
• 😀 The Latin term 'credo' translates to trust or confidence, indicating a relational aspect of faith.
• 😀 There are two aspects of faith: 'fides qua creditor' (the act of trusting) and 'fides quae creditor' (the content of beliefs).
• 😀 Martin Luther emphasized that true faith is a confident trust in God and His promises, not merely intellectual assent.
• 😀 Faith and reason can work together, as articulated by John Paul II, who described them as two wings that lift the spirit toward truth.
• 😀 Philosophy alone cannot answer existential questions; divine revelation is necessary for understanding ultimate truths.
• 😀 Doubt and suffering are significant challenges to faith, requiring thoughtful engagement and understanding.
• 😀 The chapter addresses important questions about faith, including its nature and the usefulness of proofs for God's existence.
• 😀 Faith is characterized as a relational notion, shaping how believers see themselves and their world through a Christian lens.
• 😀 The exploration of faith invites deeper inquiry into the relationship between belief, trust, and the reality of God.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Alister McGrath's presentation?

The main topic is the nature of faith, particularly how it is understood within Christianity.

How does McGrath differentiate between everyday belief and Christian faith?

He differentiates them by stating that everyday belief may involve uncertainty, while Christian faith is about trust and personal commitment to God.

What does the Latin term 'credo' signify in the context of faith?

The term 'credo' signifies trust or confidence, indicating that faith involves a personal relationship and commitment rather than mere intellectual agreement.

What are the two senses of faith discussed by McGrath?

The two senses are 'fides qua credit' (the act of believing) and 'fides quae credit' (the content of beliefs), which are interconnected aspects of faith.

How does Martin Luther describe true faith?

Martin Luther describes true faith as a kind of sure confidence of the heart and a steady ascent that involves trusting in God's promises.

What is the relationship between faith and reason according to John Paul II?

John Paul II states that faith and reason work together, suggesting that while human reason seeks truth, it cannot fully grasp life's mysteries without divine revelation.

What does McGrath mean by faith not being blind?

He means that faith is based on evidence and personal experience, rather than being a blind acceptance of beliefs without reason.

How does John Polkinghorne view faith?

John Polkinghorne views faith as motivated belief grounded in evidence and reflection, emphasizing that faith is not contrary to reason.

What questions does McGrath propose for further exploration in the chapter?

He proposes questions regarding the definition of faith, the proofs of God's existence, and the relationship between faith, suffering, and doubt.

What is the overall goal of the presentation?

The goal is to help viewers engage with the concept of faith as presented in McGrath's textbook and to explore its implications in the context of Christian theology.