The Assurance of Things Hoped For A Theology of Christian Faith [Paperback]

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.

Throughout a distinguished career, [Dulles] has been noted for a rare ability to combine three crucial elements in theological discourse: an encyclopedic mastery of historical and contemporary sources, an organizational and stylistic clarity which makes his work accessible to a wide audience, and a commitment to measured discussion rather than polemic. These qualities are again evident in [this book]. --New Oxford Review

Oh, what a find! Every teacher of systematic theology...will be forever indebted to Dulles....Dulles hoped that his book would help its readers gain a sense of what the finest thinkers of the past and present have to say about faith....He has achieved his purpose with istinction. --NationalCatholic Reporter

Dulles has produced a masterful survey of Christian thinking about faith....Dulles' mastery of the subject, his control of the secondary literature, and his economical, even terse, style mean that this book would stand out even if there were many others in the market on the same subject, which there are not....a learned, commanding, and sure-footed study. --First Things

The theological community, especially those members teaching in seminaries and graduate schools, is clearly indebted to Dulles for providing a clear, accurate, and readable text on the theolÃ4