An Analytic Study of Paul Tillich's View of Faith
Abstract
The issue of faith has been a long-debated issue. Various theologians demonstrate different views on it. As the subject of faith is fundamental to the Christian faith and the most critical one, it is crucial that we understand the real meaning of faith. This is an analytical study designed to explore and analyze Paul Tillich's view of faith in his The Dynamics of Faith. The findings are that three problems can be identified in Tillich's view of faith: Faith as ultimate concern, faith as uncertainty, and faith must be incorporated with doubt. After the analysis of Tillich's view of faith, I reconstruct it from my own point of view. My proposition is a new interpretation of faith on the basis of the Scripture, which composes of three arguments: True faith is in God alone, true faith is certainty, and true faith contains no doubt. My hope is that all suspicious concepts and theologies should be evaluated and analyzed in a more critical way to defend our true faith in Christ.
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