Different theologians give different accounts of the kind of faith that is necessary for the practice of a religion such as Christianity. For some, it is simply belief that there is a God (and that he has done various actions); for others, it is trust in God. This book analyses the nature of belief and of trust, and considers when belief and trust are rational. It concludes that the practice of a religion requires a faith that involves both trust and belief, but a fairly weak kind of belief. The book reaches this conclusion by analysing the purposes for practising a religion: the attainment of ... More

Different theologians give different accounts of the kind of faith that is necessary for the practice of a religion such as Christianity. For some, it is simply belief that there is a God (and that he has done various actions); for others, it is trust in God. This book analyses the nature of belief and of trust, and considers when belief and trust are rational. It concludes that the practice of a religion requires a faith that involves both trust and belief, but a fairly weak kind of belief. The book reaches this conclusion by analysing the purposes for practising a religion: the attainment of salvation for oneself and others, and the rendering of due worship and obedience to God. Someone's religious practice is rational insofar as she has reason for believing that practising her religion is the best way to achieve these purposes, and that these purposes are greatly worthwhile.