The Anthropological Character of Theology
Conditioning Theological Understanding

This study looks at the various ways in which theological conclusions are affected by the rationality of those who produce them.

David A. Pailin (Author)

9780521390699, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 July 1990

304 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.1 cm, 0.48 kg

"This book on the conditioning of theological understanding is an excellent illustration of our contemporary fallibilist mood." Michael J. Scanlon, Theological Studies

This study looks at the various ways in which theological conclusions are affected by the rationality of those who produce them. The author's critique of the study of theology arises out of a conviction that theology has to establish its credibility as a mode of understanding if it is to be of value. In considering what follows once it is recognised that - since theologians are human - their conclusions are affected by the nature of human thought, Dr Pailin offers a clarification of faith, belief and reason, and how they are related to each other. The book shows that while theology can no longer credibly pretend to divine authority in determining the truth in all disciplines, it is committed to understanding the fundamental character of reality as a whole. Against the conservative backlash in religious thought, and the secularist trend towards scepticism when references are made to the reality of God, the author takes up the challenge of current thinking to show that it is possible for theology to affirm God's reality in a positive way which is, at the same time, self-critically aware of the human character of thought.

Preface
1. Introduction to a study of theology
2. Faith, belief, theology and reason
3. God as cosmic projection
4. God as actualising regulative ideas
5. Theology and religious experience
6. Theology and the apprehension of revelation
7. Theology and human need
8. Theology and the completion of understanding
9. Conclusion
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of religion [HRAB]