Faith, Religion & Theology, Brennan Book Review

"Faith is a commitment, a pledge or promise to carry out certain responsibilities," (Hill et al., 1997, p.18). The will is the way a person translates faith into action.

Action plays a critical role in faith. It is very easy to say that one is faithful, but the proof of that faith comes from one's actions. The authors contrast full faith and empty faith, suggesting that those who have beliefs without faith cut themselves off from the fullness of human experience (Hill et al., 1997, p.29). "Full faith requires openness to learning and life, a willingness to search and explore, an eagerness to make firm decisions, a dynamic energy to reach for goals;" not surprisingly, those are the components of active faith (Hill et al., 1997, p.29). Nurturing human commitments is one way to have active faith. Though the authors mention this example before discussing active faith, they give an example of a rebel priest donning a disguise to attend the funeral service of two women martyred for his cause (Hill et al., 1997, p.22-23).This is a great example of active faith, because it demonstrates the power of human commitment.

Finally, the authors discuss how Christianity differs from other religious systems. It is important to point out that the authors are very adamant that faith cannot be dictated and do not seem to advocate for any type of militant Christianity. However, it is equally important to acknowledge that they differentiate Christianity from other religions. They discuss the fact that Christianity is communal. "Followers of Jesus Christ are called to be intimately bonded with him and his disciples…Christian faith is the free choice to accept God's invitation to live in friendship with Jesus and his followers. A faith that is not communal is not complete" (Hill et al., 1997, p.61). This statement highlights the essential difference between Christianity and other religions, which is Jesus' humanity, and the idea that he sought to create a fellowship with others, not to have them worship him.

References

Hill, B., Knitter, P., & Madges, W. (1997). Faith, religion & theology: A.....