Synopses & Reviews
Review
This is an important book by members of what can be loosely called the school of contemporary Calvinist philosophers of religion. It is worthy of study by everyone concerned with the epistemology of religion.” The Journal of Religion
Review
The essays are exceptionally well written, clear, and stimulating. They explicate what it means to be rational in general and to hold a rational belief in particular. For those interested in the vexing but crucial issues of how reason relates to faith, this is a probative and illuminating study.” Theological Studies
Review
This volume, which represents the best philosophical theology being done . . . is a fascinating step in a largely unrecognized dialogue between Reformed and Roman Catholic philosophers.” New Oxford Review
Synopsis
Faith and Rationality investigates the rich implications of what the contributors call "Calvinistic" or "Reformed epistemology." This is the view of knowledge--enunciated by Calvin, further developed by Barth--that sees belief in God as its own foundation; in the contributors' terms, it is properly "basic" in itself.
Synopsis
Arguments about the evidences of Christianity have consumed the talents of believers and agnostics. These arguments have tried to give--or to deny--Christian belief a foundation. Belief is rational, the argument goes, only if it is logically derived from axiomatic truths or is otherwise supported by enough evidence.
Arguments for belief generally fail to sway the unconvinced. But is this because the evidence is flimsy and the arguments weak--or because they attempt to give the right answer to the wrong question? What, after all, would satisfy Russell's all for evidence?
Faith and Rationality investigates the rich implications of what the authors call Calvinistic or Reformed epistemology. This is the view of knowledge-enunciated by Calvin, further developed by Barth-that sees belief in God as its own foundation; in the authors' terms, is it properly basic in itself.
About the Author
Alvin Plantinga is John A. OBrien Professor of Philosophy and former director of the Center for Philosophy of Religion at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of several books, including
Where the Conflict Really Lies: Science, Religion, and Naturalism.
Nicholas Wolterstorff is Noah Porter Emeritus Professor of Philosophical Theology in the Divinity School at Yale University. He is the author of several books, including Justice: Rights and Wrongs and Justice in Love.
Table of Contents
Reason and belief in God / Alvin Plantinga -- The stranger / George I. Mavrodes -- Christian experience and Christian belief / William P. Alston -- Can belief in God be rational if it has no foundations? / Nicholas Wolterstorff -- Turning / George I. Mavrodes -- Jerusalem and Athens revisited / George I. Mavrodes -- The collapse of American evangelical academia / George Marsden -- Faith, reason, and the Resurrection / D. Holwerda.