The assurance of things hoped for : a theology of Christian faith
"Christian theology has from its beginnings pointed to faith as the necessary path by which humans may enter into a saving relationship with God. Faith has been taken to be the fundamental Christian virtue, the indispensable prerequisite for hope, charity, and good works. But recent monographs on this important topic are lacking." "In The Assurance of Things Hoped For Avery Dulles, a prominent Roman Catholic theologian, provides an overview of the past and recent literature on faith, and presents his own systematic reflection. After considering the biblical foundations, he examines the history of theological reflection on faith, from the Greek and Latin fathers to such modern giants as Tillich, Rahner, and Lonergan. In the process, he reveals the many facets that make faith such a rich and complex concept." "Building on this historical survey, Dulles goes on to offer his own systematic synthesis, exploring such topics as the nature and object of faith; the certitude of faith; the birth, growth, and loss of faith; and faith and salvation. The result is a refreshingly relevant theology of faith for our day. A major contribution by a preeminent American author, The Assurance of Things Hoped For will be of great interest to an ecumenical cross-section of Christian scholars and students of theology."--BOOK JACKET
Print Book, English, 1997, ©1994
Oxford University Press, New York, 1997, ©1994
xii, 299 pages ; 24 cm
9780195083026, 9780195109733, 0195083024, 0195109732
59666505
Biblical foundation
Patristic and medieval developments
Sixteenth to eighteenth centuries
Nineteenth century
Early twentieth century
Mid-twentieth century
Recent developments
Models and issues
nature and object of faith
Grounding of faith
Properties of faith
Development of faith
Faith and salvation
Concluding synthesis
Originally published: 1994