The assurance of things hoped for

Christian theology has from its beginnings pointed to faith as the necessary path by which humans may enter into a saving relationship with God. Faith has been taken to be the fundamental Christian virtue, the indispensable prerequisite for hope, charity, and good works. But recent monographs on this important topic are lacking. In The Assurance of Things Hoped For Avery Dulles, a prominent Roman Catholic theologian, provides an overview of the past and recent literature on faith, and presents his own systematic reflection. After considering the biblical foundations, he examines the history of theological reflection on faith, from the Greek and Latin fathers to such modern giants as Tillich, Rahner, and Lonergan. In the process, he reveals the many facets that make faith such a rich and complex concept. Building on this historical survey, Dulles goes on to offer his own systematic synthesis, exploring 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. A major contribution by a preeminent American author, The Assurance of Things Hoped For will be of great interest to an ecumenical cross-section of Christian scholars and students of theology.