Faith Within Reason

Herbert McCabe

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 A collection of previously unpublished papers written by the late Herbert McCabe O.P., it examines the nature of religious belief, especially belief in God, with an eye on both theological and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.

Posthumously, McCabe's writing have enjoyed quite astonishing and welcome success. Herbert McCabe was certainly one of the most outstanding Dominican theologians of the Post War Years. McCabe has been praised by people as varied as Rowan Williams, P.J. Kavanagh, Anthony Kenny and Terry Eagleton.

Foreword by Denys TurnerIntroduction by Brian Davies O.P.1. Is Belief Wishful Thinking?2. Are Creeds Credible?3. Doubt is Not Unbelief4. Why God?5. Causes and God6. A Very Short Introduction to Aquinas7. Aquinas on 'God is Good'8. Soul, Life, Machines, and Language9. Son of God10. Forgiveness11. Immaculate Conception12. Freedom