Faith: A Very Short Introduction [Paperback]

ThisVery Short Introductionargues that all faith needs reason, putting contemporary discussions into historical perspective, and shows that faith also involves a commitment to action. It matters for all social life, because religion is typically directed at what is seen as of crucial importance for human life.Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringWhat is faith? It usually means religious belief, and sometimes diverse religions are grouped together as 'faiths', with reference to 'faith leaders' or 'faith schools'. What we have faith in matters, and that involves our reason, involving claims to truths that affect everyone. Faith is not just a personal attribute, like tastes, but should be open to public examination and debate.In thisVery Short Introduction, Roger Trigg argues that all faith needs reason. He puts contemporary discussions into historical perspective, particularly in the context of Christianity. The author argues that faith also involves a commitment to action and that matters for all social life. Because religion is typically directed at what is seen as of crucial importance for human life, faith should not be marginalized or privatized. It will permeate every idea of how people should behave, and has a role in the public square, however respectful it should be to competing views within a democracy.ABOUT THE SERIES: TheVery Short Introductionsseries from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Preface: The Nature of Faith1. Faith and Reason2. Faith and God3. Faith and Diversity4. Faith and Science5. Faith and Morality6. Faith and Law7. Faith and SocietyRoger Trigg,Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Warwick