Saving and secular faith
Book Description
What does it truly mean to live by faith in today's world? Theologian B. A. Gerrish invites readers on a thoughtful exploration that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding, revealing faith as something far more nuanced than simple belief.
Drawing from New Testament foundations and the insights of Thomas Aquinas, Gerrish examines how reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin understood saving faith not as mere intellectual assent, but as a profound discernment of divine goodwill expressed through Christ and woven into the fabric of human experience. This perspective transforms faith from a static concept into a dynamic recognition of meaning and purpose.
The author's compelling thesis extends beyond traditional religious boundaries. He demonstrates how this capacity for discernment manifests in secular contexts as well, where individuals discover significance through recognizing patterns in their lives or identifying worthy objects of devotion. Whether expressed through religious conviction or secular commitment, faith emerges as a fundamental human activity that enables people to navigate life with purpose and direction.
Gerrish presents faith as a universal human characteristic rather than an exclusively Christian virtue, showing how believers and non-believers alike share certain foundational assumptions about meaning and loyalty. This accessible theological work offers readers a fresh framework for understanding how faith operates across different worldviews, making it valuable for anyone seeking to comprehend the role of conviction in human flourishing.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~4 hours)
📄 Length: 153 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions
- ✓ Explore Christianisme
- ✓ Explore Geschichte 70-170
- ✓ Explore Frühchristentum
- ✓ Explore Christianisme dans la littérature rabbinique
- ✓ Explore Littérature rabbinique
- ✓ Explore Rabbinical literature