Faith Within Reason - by Herbert McCabe (Paperback)

About the Book

Is it possible to think about religious beliefs philosophically? Can theologians learn from philosophers? Can philosophers learn from theologians? Is it possible to be both a good Christian and a good thinker? This book examines the nature of religious belief, especially belief in God, with an eye on both theological and philosophical arguments.

Book Synopsis

Is it possible to think about religious beliefs philosophically? Should religious beliefs be viewed as a flight from reason or as capable of rational support? Can theologians learn from philosophers? Can philosophers learn from theologians? Is it possible to be both a good Christian and a good thinker? Can there be such a thing as reasonable faith?

This book is chiefly concerned with these questions and others related to them. A collection of previously unpublished papers written by the late Herbert McCabe O.P., it examines the nature of religious belief, especially belief in God, with an eye on both theological and philosophical arguments. Some thinkers have sought to drive a wedge between philosophy and theology. Like Thomas Aquinas, whose writings he especially admired, McCabe seeks to show how the two can be systematically connected. Some religious truths, he argues, may defy our understanding. But this does not mean that they cannot be reasonably discussed.

Review Quotes

'As one has come to expect of McCabe, there is wonderful clarity to the writing.' Canon David Brown, Church Times--Sanford Lakoff "Church Times "

"a wonderful clarity to the writing" Canon Brown, Church Times, October 2007--Sanford Lakoff "Church Times "

"Here is the latest collection of unpublished papers of the late Herbert McCabe, and what a treat it is. The combination of crystal logic, sparkling wit, and interrogative fides quaerens intellectum, deeply informed by Aquinas and richly modulated by Wittgenstein, are again on bravura display...excellent."--Sanford Lakoff

"McCabe had written important articles during the 'Myth of God Incarnate' controversy and the clarity of his thought shines through in a sermon which is a model exposition of the Christian faith." New Directions, July 2007--Sanford Lakoff "New Directions "

"McCabe has been influentual in creating the commonest modern account [of Aquinas]" Canon Brown, The Church Times, October 2007--Sanford Lakoff "Church Times "

"This is a book that has much to offer professional academics and general readers alike. It is the work of a born communicator, who has the power to inspire and to touch the heart, as well as to argue his case with care and with rigour. Christianity could do with more such advocates"--Sanford Lakoff "The American Spectator "

Review in Estudios Filosoficos, 2010

About the Author

Herbert McCabe was a Dominican Friar and theologian of outstanding originality who died in 2001. He was deeply influential on philosophers such as Anthony Kenny and Alasdair MacIntyre and poets and writers like Terry Eagleton and Seamus Heaney. Brian Davies is Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University, New York, USA. His publications include An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion (Oxford University Press, 3rd edition, 2003) and The Thought of Thomas Aquinas (Oxford University Press, 1992). Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity, and Fellow of Peterhouse, Cambridge.