Nature And Role Of Faith In The Life Of A Christian

The study was to investigate the nature and role of faith in the life of a Christian in Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary. 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.

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

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.

1.2 Purpose of Study

This thesis is centrally aimed at

Exploring the nature and role of faith and reason in the life of a Christian

Hence, propose how the two concepts can be harnessed to make Christians walk better with God.

1.3 Statement of 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 isa moral agent. He is equally endowed with the ability to make choice. All these attributes of manpoint 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 offaith.

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.

1.4 Methodology

The research work will be carried out using the existing data on the topic under consideration. Data from journals, published materials, on-line materials and scriptures will be examined.

1.5 Limitation of the Study

Due to the vast nature of the topic, the researcher has decided to limit his research work on the Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, Lagos Campus.

1.6 Definition of Terms

A. Faith

Afeeling, conviction, or belief that something is true or real, without having evidence. It is a religious belief system.

B. Reason

A rational thinking or capacity for it; the cognitive faculties, collectively of conception, judgement, deduction and intuition.

C. Christian

A believer in Christianity. A believer who seeks to live his or her life according to the principles and values taught by Jesus Christ.

Other technical terms would be defined in the thesis.

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary

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, even if reason as an argument does not apply in a case. It identifies distinctive roles for experience and defense in an account of faith in God.

This study empirically investigated the nature and role of faith in the life of a Christian, and has reminded us of the importance of faith in the life of a believer. Therefore, it is written "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). According to St. Thomas dubs "blindness of mind" and "dullness of sense," directly lead to sins which opposed to the virtue of faith (Thomist, 1999).

The review of related literatures revealed that, faith isn"t pretending our problems don"t exist, nor is it simply blind optimism. Faith points us beyond our problems to the hope we have in Christ. Jesus clearly pointed out the importance of reasoning in faith when he said,"At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other" (Matthew 24:10-NIV). This prophesy was based on the unseen rejection of his gospel through the evil thoughts that will dominate the heart of men.

5.2 Conclusion

The study of "faith and reason" has challenged theologians since the beginning of their disciplines, and it has left many inquirers confused. The conflicting relationship between faith and reason is one of the most crucial issues, if not the most crucial issue, facing the church today, for it is foundational in nature. The key notions of faith and reason are often left unclear, and this complicates inquiry about faith in God. Many inquirers end up puzzled about the significance of the distinction between reason and faith. Faith is a volitional commitment of an informed intellect. It is a joint act of the will and the intellect, not one without the other. Knowledge without commitment is disbelief, and commitment without knowledge is irrationality.

In conclusion, faith brings salvation "For by grace are you saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). The Old and New Testaments provides a biblical guideline for under standing knowledge as the foundation for the Christian faith. The teachings of Jesus and the Apostles offer ample evidence that faith and knowledge are not two competing ideologies; rather, knowledge serves as the basis for the Christian faith. Throughout the biblical record, faith and reasoning are never set in contradistinction. At times faith may be contrasted with a means of obtaining knowledge (e.g., sight); however, faith is never contrasted with reasoning or, for that matter, reason. Finally, Scripture makes it clear that knowledge precedes faith. Thus, where there is no knowledge there can be no biblical faith.

5.3 Recommendation

The following recommendations were suggested by the researcher based on the findings of this study;

1. Every true Christian should emulate our father Abraham did. They need to believe that God can do the impossible and that nothing is too hard for God.
2. Pastors should endeavor to inculcate the habit of strong faith in God into believers through preaching the word of faith with evidence in their daily lives.
3. Christians should spend more times in studying the word so as to grow their faith which is the bedrock of Christian growth.
4. Believers should shun the habit of murmuring and complaining in the face of trial as God did not promise a life free from trial, but gave an assurance of making a way for his Children in the midst of temptation.
5. Christians need to believe in God"s power and promises, without wavering. They need to believe and be willingly obedient to God.

Title Page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of Content

Chapter One:

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

1.2 Purpose of Study

1.3 Statement of Problem

1.4 Methodology

1.5 Limitation of the Study

1.6 Definition of Terms

Endnotes

Chapter Two:

Literature Review

2.1 Concepts of Faith and Reason

2.2 Relationship between Faith and Reason

2.3 Superiority of Faith to Reason

2.4 Approaches to Faith and Reason

2.4.1 Theological Approach

2.4.2 Philosophical Approach

Endnotes

Chapter Three:

Evidence of Faith and Reason in the Scriptures

3.1 Evidence of Faith and Reason in the Old Testament

3.2 Evidence of Faith and Reason in the New Testament

Endnotes

Chapter Four:

Relevance of Faith and Reason in Christian Life

4.1 Reality of Faith and Reason in modern Christian

4.2 Conflict between Faith and Reason

4.3 Necessity of Reason in Faith

4.4 The effect of Faith and Reason on Christian Attitude

4.5 The application of Faith and reason in Christian Life

Endnotes

Chapter Five:

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Summary

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendation

Endnotes

Bibliography

• Theology and Biblical Studies Project Topics and Materials