knowledge

Redemption and the Nature of the Mediator

• Discussion on redemption and how the mediator works.

  • Questions posed about the mediator's identity and understanding of human nature.

  • Examination of different categories of redemption through thinkers like Anselm and Avila.

  • Exploration of the atonement and its implications.

Transition to Philosophical Queries

• Introduction to the second section, focusing on Charles Taylor's question:

  • "What happens between 1500 and 2000 such that Christian faith transitions from being assumed to nearly unthinkable for many?"

  • Investigation of cultural and philosophical changes during this period.

• Key themes for the afternoon discussion include:

  • Nature of faith.

  • Structure of knowledge.

Discussion Questions

• Two main questions for consideration:

  1. What are contemporary views on the relationship between faith and knowledge?

  2. Insights from Calvin's "Institutes" and Anselm's "Proslogion" regarding faith and knowing God.

• Initial thoughts include:

  • Faith often seen as lacking solid proof or evidence.

  • Divergence between faith and evidence, and discussion of synthesis between the two.

Contemporary Philosophy on Faith

• Comments on contemporary philosophical perspectives:

  • Faith as belief without evidence (Quoted philosophers):

  • Richard Dawkins describes faith as a cop-out, an excuse to evade rational thought.

  • Bertrand Russell defines faith as a firm belief without evidence, contrasting it with knowledge tied to evidential proof.

• The historical perspective contrasts with contemporary views:

  • In premodernity, faith is viewed as a type of knowledge, not merely a lack of evidence.

Epistemology Explained

• Definition of epistemology as the study of knowledge; focus on:

  • Knowing subject (the knower).

  • Known object (what is being known).

• Shift in epistemology:

  • Premodernity: Focus on ontology - knowing shaped by the nature of what exists.

  • Modernity: Focus shifts to the knowing subject's mental processes.

Knowledge Acquisition in Premodernity vs. Modernity

• In premodern views:

  • Knowledge is diverse; different objects require different methods to know.

  • Example: Knowing a chemical property vs. knowing relational emotions (e.g., love).

• Transition to modernity:

  • Knowledge becomes restricted to empirical methods, leading to skepticism about many forms of knowledge.

• How epistemology's evolution impacts understanding of knowledge of God.

Implications for Faith and Knowledge of God

• Scientific Method:

  • Inadequate for knowing God as God transcends empirical observation and measurement.

• God described as:

  • Infinite, spiritual, non-empirical, and not a part of the universe.

• Philosophical challenges for those who consider God's existence a scientific hypothesis:

  • The limitations of scientific methods in addressing divine existence.

Calvin’s Views on Knowing God

• Reference to Calvin's insights: Knowledge of God comes through His works.

  • God known through general and special revelation (e.g., creation, Acts of God in history).

• Calvin emphasizes:

  • God’s essence is infinite, and we understand Him only through His actions in the world.

Understanding Knowledge of God

• God's nature explains:

  • Why we cannot fully comprehend God while still having knowledge of Him.

• Importance of faith for acquiring knowledge about God.

  • Faith, as a gift from God, initiates true understanding.

• Anselm's famous quote: "Faith seeks understanding."

Relationship Between Faith and Reason

• Faith is rational even if its content surpasses natural human reason.

• Knowledge of God stems from God's revelation, making it objectively understandable, despite being supernaturally endowed.

Takeaways and Reflections

• Students encouraged to revisit notes to identify key insights and questions.

• Emphasis on understanding faith and knowledge contextualized within the broader philosophical and cultural developments discussed.