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The Decision of Faith Kevin Kinghorn

The Decision of Faith By Kevin Kinghorn

The Decision of Faith by Kevin Kinghorn


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The Decision of Faith Summary

The Decision of Faith: Can Christian Beliefs Be Freely Chosen? by Kevin Kinghorn

Christian theologians have historically described a 'saving faith in God' as containing a fundamental element of 'belief'. However, philosophers present strong arguments exist that we are not capable of freely deciding which beliefs we will hold. Rather, we simply find ourselves believing things as the evidence before us seems to dictate. So, if belief is indeed involuntary, and if certain beliefs are requisite for Christian faith, then how can the matter of one's salvation rest on whether one has freely put one's faith in God? After explaining this objection to the Christian affirmation that faith is a voluntary matter for which God will hold all people morally accountable, this study in philosophical theology explores how the Christian theist might respond to this objection. Kevin Kinghorn uses experimental studies within the psychological literature on self-deception to make sense of the Christian idea of 'spiritual blindness'; and argues that whether or not a person wilfully contributes to self-deception will hinge on decisions he or she makes either to embrace or avoid the truth as he or she sees it. Kinghorn then attempts to show that decisions of this type - more specifically, decisions to embrace or avoid the truth about God, wherever the truth lies - are ultimately more fundamental to the kind of relationship with God commended by the Christian religion than is the question of what a person believes. Kinghorn's conclusion is that the Christian theist can indeed rebut the objection pending against him or her, but only if he or she adopts Kinghorn's own account of the nature of faith, which provides a sharper distinction between faith and belief than is generally found in accounts of faith within the Christian tradition.

The Decision of Faith Reviews

'A noteworthy contribution to the ongoing debate in this area.' Meriel Patrick, OUCS, Oxford University. Expository Times -- Meriel Patrick
"This not only gets us to question the way things are but challenges us to give our selves to a vision of what might be" Steve Hollinghurst, ANVIL Vo.. 24 No. 1 -- Steve Hollinghurst * ANVIL *
'Kevin Kinghorn's writing is clear and cogent ... He shows how, although a belief cannot be voluntarily chosen there and then, which religious beliefs we hold may result from various voluntary actions of ours in the past for which we can be held responsible.' Richard Swinburne, Emeritus Nolloth Professor of the Philosophy of the Christian Religion, University of Oxford * Blurb from reviewer *
'Kinghorn's prose is admirably clear. The book leads the reader methodically through the stages of his argument, which is illustrated, at various stages, with scenarios and examples.' Church Times, April 2006 -- Hugh Rayment-Pickard * Church Times *
'This book is recommended by Richard Swinburne.' -- Theo Hobson * Theology *

About Kevin Kinghorn

Kevin Kinghorn is Philosophy Tutor for Undergraduates at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, and is an affiliate faculty member at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has published articles in philosophy, theology, and ethics.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. The Nature of Belief; 2. The Involuntariness of Belief; 3. The Nature of Faith; 4. The Element of Belief in Faith; 5. Spiritual Blindness and Unbelief; 6. Self-Deception and Willful Choices; 7. Inculpable Nonbelief and Divine Hiddenness; 8. The Fate of Nonbelievers; Bibliography; Index.

Additional information

GOR007876646
9780567030689
0567030687
The Decision of Faith: Can Christian Beliefs Be Freely Chosen? by Kevin Kinghorn
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
2005-10-23
208
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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