ABSTRACT: This study aims at investigating the Nature and Role of Faith in the Life of a Christian. The primary concern here lies between the nature and duty of faith in the lives of believers today. The research area was strictly confined to Lagos Campus. The study adopted both empirical and biblical approach to faith and reason in the life of a Christian which explains how faith in God can be well-grounded in reason as evidence; it also reminded us of the importance of faith in the life of a believer. Secondary source of data from journals, published materials, on-line materials and scriptures were the major source of data collection.
The study revealed that faith isn’t pretending our problems don’t exist, nor is it simply blind optimism. Rather, faith points us beyond our problems to the hope we have in Christ. It was concluded that faith brings salvation “For by grace are you saved through faith” as recorded in Ephesians 2:8. The researcher recommends that every true Christian should emulate the nature of faith of the early believers like Abraham and that of Christ on his Heavenly Father.
Nature And Role Of Faith In The Life Of A Christian
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
There are many problems that weigh on the life of man and very often man goes in search of the truth that lies behind these problems.
Traditionally, faith and reason have been considered to be sources of justification for religious belief. Because both purposely serve this same epistemic function, it has been a matter of much interest to philosophers and theologians how the two are related and how the rational agent should treat claims derived from either source.
Some have held that there can be no conflict between the two – that reason properly employed and faith properly understood will never produce competing claims, where others have maintained that faith and reason can (or even must) be in genuine contention over certain prepositions or methodologies. Those who have taken the latter view disagree as to whether faith or reason ought to prevail when the two are in conflict.
Kierkegaard for instance, prioritizes faith even to the point that it becomes positively irrational, while Locke emphasized the reasonableness of faith to such an extent that a doctrine’s irrationally- conflict with itself or with known facts- is a sign that it is unsound. Other thinkers have theorized that faith and reason can govern their own separate domains.
This thesis is therefore carried out to explore the nature and role of faith in the life of a Christian. Several related opinions of scholars in the field of theology and philosophy would be consulted to get the in-depth of the issue being addressed. The ability of man to reason with his senses will equally be examined to see its relationship with faith. This thesis is believed to be of help to the 21st century Christians in their walk with God in faith and at the same time implore the use of their senses to reason.
Nature And Role Of Faith In The Life Of A Christian
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Christian walk with God is on faith. “And without faith, you cannot please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that he is the rewarder of those who earnestly seek him”, Hebrews 11:6.
Man is believed to be a free thinker. He is a moral agent. He is equally endowed with the ability to make choice. All these attributes of man point to the fact that he has the ability to reason.
It is a common phenomenon in our days that some people do what they should not have done in the name of faith. The scripture states clearly that we should not believe all spirits, but to test them so as to know which of them is of the Lord, (1 John 4:1). What we see today is that Christians only explore faith, but ignore their ability to reason. This problem calls for thorough study.