The Assurance of Things Hoped for: A Theology of Christian Faith

Avery Dulles

Oxford University Press, 1996 - Religion - 320 pages

Faith, since the earliest Christian theologians, has been regarded as the fundamental Christian virtue--the prerequisite for hope, charity, and good works. In this book, Avery Dulles examines the biblical foundations and history of theological reflection on faith, from the Greek and Latin fathers to such modern giants as Tillich, Rahner, and Lonergan. Further, Dulles presents his own systematic synthesis, reflecting on such topics as the nature and object of faith; the certitude of faith; the birth, growth, and loss of faith; and faith and salvation. The result is a refreshingly relevant theology of faith for our day.

Contents

• Biblical Foundations: 7
• Patristic and Medieval Developments: 20
• Sixteenth to Eighteenth Centuries: 44
• Nineteenth Century: 78
• Early Twentieth Century: 96
• Notes: 113
• Recent Developments: 147
• Liberation Theology: 155
• Theology of Hope: 161
• Notes: 167
• Nature and Object of Faith: 185
• Grounding of Faith: 204
• Properties of Faith: 224
• Development of Faith: 239
• Faith and Salvation: 256
• Concluding Synthesis: 274
• Index: 283

About the author

Avery Dulles, S.J. is Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society at Fordham University. Among his many books are The Catholicity of the Church (OUP, 1985), Models of Revelation (1983, rev. 1992), and The Craft of Theology (1992).

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Assurance of Things Hoped for: A Theology of Christian Faith
• Author: Avery Dulles
• Edition: reprint, revised
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1996
• ISBN: 0195109732, 9780195109733
• Length: 320 pages
• Subjects: Religion / Christian Theology / General; Religion / Christianity / General; Religion / Christianity / History; Religion / Faith