The Light of Faith and Reason - by Gerhard Lohfink (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Renowned Scripture scholar Gerhard Lohfink brings the origins and progress of enlightenment to the forefront of Christian faith.

The history of the European Enlightenment did not begin in the seventeenth century. It started in Greece (something no one doubts), and it began with stories about Abraham and Israel's exodus from Egypt (something many do not know or disregard). In The Light of Faith and Reason, renowned Scripture scholar Gerhard Lohfink shows the degree to which the Old Testament already affords enlightenment, and how that work of enlightenment was continued and deepened by Jesus and the church. On the basis of this Jewish-Christian history of enlightenment, what is at issue is the rationality of faith, something that is increasingly the subject of debate today. The description here is not intended to deny the mystery of faith; rather, it is meant to illuminate its rationality.

Review Quotes

"A surprising valedictory offering from the late renowned New Testament scholar Gerhard Lohfink. His insightful (and at times moving) interpretations of Scripture show how the ideals of human dignity, freedom, equality, and tolerance, often equated with the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason alone and critique of traditional religion, are rooted in the Jewish and early Christian scriptural traditions and continue to animate contemporary life. While a few debatable notions are here, Lohfink's cornucopia of on-target arguments reveal the deep connections between faith and reason--a very positive Roman Catholic take on how divine revelation and human experience are mutually supportive and provide our current complex situation with reasons for hope."
Anthony J. Godzieba, professor emeritus of fundamental and systematic theology, Villanova University

"In a world of constant challenge of Christianity's intellectual integrity, Lohfink highlights that the Christian faith is not outdated or just a leftover after the European Enlightenment. In his broad scope of topics, he demonstrates not only his expertise as a biblical scholar. In a highly personal voice, he also presents his own spirituality in deep attachment to his academic profession. Following Lohfink's thoughts, we can recognize that there is no stalemate between Christian faith and reason. Even further, by joining Lohfink's adventure of faith, we can see this undertaking as deeply fulfilling."
Florian Klug is a lecturer at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany and the University of Vienna, Austria

About the Author

Gerhard Lohfink (1934-2024) was professor of New Testament exegesis at the University of Tübingen. His many award-winning books include Why I Believe in God, All My Springs Are in You, The Most Important Words of Jesus, Between Heaven and Earth, The Forty Parables of Jesus, No Irrelevant Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth, Is This All There Is?, The Our Father, and Prayer Takes Us Home, all from Liturgical Press.