A Faith for Skeptics

By John H. Heidt

Book Overview

Faith For Skeptics is written for believers and unbelievers alike; for all who would like to find or increase their faith. It presents a compelling case for traditional, classical, Christianity, that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932124217
• ISBN13: 9781932124217
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Acw Pr
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.5" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Thank You Fr. Heidt

Finally -- a book written by an Episopalian who isn't ashamed of his Christianity! Fr. Heidt, who has recently been named the Bishop's Canon Theologian for the Diocese of Fort Worth, has composed a succinct and well crafted work which would benefit not only the "skeptic", but the tradionalist and liberal as well! This book belongs in every priest's library -- indeed the Diocese has been so impressed that a copy of this book was presented to every priest as a gift by the Bishop. Most certainly worth purchasing.

A "Skeptic's" Review

The main thrust of the book gives skeptics a reason to feel comfortable about believing -- about having faith. Fr. Heidt expresses his regret over the loss of the old-fashioned atheist as an antagonist. Atheist believes SOMETHING, even if it entails a denial of the existence of God. Further, the classical atheist tends to use reason in making her/his case, and does not just emote. For that reason, it is at least possible to have a rational conversation/argument with the classical atheist. Today's post-modern way of thinking makes truth relative to the interestsand preferences of each individual or group, thereby removing the issue of truth or falsity from the table. As the author points out, it is NOT the case that there are no fundamental differences between classical Christianity and other major world religions. The historicity of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, His claim to be the Son of God, and Hisredemptive work on the cross for all humanity are distinctions that make Christianity different from the other major world religions--these distinctive are, after all, truth claims. First Corinthians 15: 1-12 sets forth these distinctive and makes it crystal clear why Christianity rises or falls with the factuality of Christ's resurrection. The importance of dogma (asserted truths that are not proven, but accepted on faith), saying that we all base our thinking on unproven assumptions (in math, axioms) and that without such assumptions there is no basis for further discussion. By starting out with the dogmas (unproven truths) of the faith, a Christian has a platform on the basis of which to explore all other questions and issues that might arise in relation to the Christian faith. Fr. Heidt is not trying to offer "arguments for the existence of God" in the classical sense of Thomas Aquinas--he regards that as a rational exercise that most folks would not find compelling. Rather, he appeals to the experiences of his readers, their quest for something solid on which to base their lives and their search for truth. He also sets forth in an appealing manner the intrinsic attractiveness of the Christian community and liturgy, in effect, asking his readers to "taste and see that the Lord is good." Some parts of the book are even reminiscent of some of C.S. Lewis's works.If I had any issues with Heidt's approach, they would center on some of his views about the "new man" that Jesus became through the resurrection, comparing that change to a stage in the evolutionary process. I don't think that takes sufficiently into account the deity and pre-existence (pre-human existence, that is) of Jesus. Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I am," and he nearly got stoned for claiming to be God (God's name is "I Am"). The author should be credited for noting that even in evolution, there was divine providence at work, or example, the presence of vital organs (e.g., lungs!) in certain aquatic animals that made them adaptable to breathing on land, long