Christianity and Secular Reason

Classical Themes and Modern Developments

By University of Notre Dame Press | Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

About the book

What is secularity? Might it yield or define a distinctive form of reasoning? If so, would that form of reasoning belong essentially to our modern age, or would it instead have a considerably older lineage? And what might be the relation of that form of reasoning, whatever its lineage, to the Christian thinking that is often said to oppose it? In the present volume, these and related questions are addressed by a distinguished group of scholars working primarily within the Roman Catholic theological tradition and from the perspectives of Continental philosophy. As a whole, the volume constitutes a conversation among thinkers who agree in their concerns but not necessarily their conclusions. Taken individually, each essay concentrates on a range of historical developments with close attention to their intellectual and sometimes pedagogical implications. Secular reason, they argue, is neither the antipode of Christian thought nor a stable and well-resolved component of it. Christian thinking may engage with secular reason as the site of profound difficulties, but on occasion will also learn from it as a source of new insight.

Christianity and Secular Reason contributes to the contemporary discussion of secularity prompted especially by Charles Taylor's book A Secular Age. Unlike Taylor's work, however, this collection concentrates specifically on secular reason and explicitly on its relation to Christianity. In this sense, it is closer to Michael J. Buckley's At the Origins of Modern Atheism or, to a lesser degree, Louis Dupré's Passage to Modernity, which concern themselves with broad cultural developments.

Editions of Christianity and Secular Reason

Paperback
ISBN 2012008949
Paperback
ISBN 9780268022280
PDF
ISBN 9780268075873

Read an Excerpt

What is secularity? Might it yield or define a distinctive form of reasoning? If so, would that form of reasoning belong essentially to our modern age, or would it instead have a considerably older lineage? And what might be the relation of that form of reasoning, whatever its lineage, to the Christian thinking that is often said to oppose it? In the present volume, these and related questions are addressed by a distinguished group of scholars working primarily within the Roman Catholic theological tradition and from the perspectives of Continental philosophy. As a whole, the volume constitutes a conversation among thinkers who agree in their concerns but not necessarily their conclusions. Taken individually, each essay concentrates on a range of historical developments with close attention to their intellectual and sometimes pedagogical implications. Secular reason, they argue, is neither the antipode of Christian thought nor a stable and well-resolved component of it. Christian thinking may engage with secular reason as the site of profound difficulties, but on occasion will also learn from it as a source of new insight.

Christianity and Secular Reason contributes to the contemporary discussion of secularity prompted especially by Charles Taylor's book A Secular Age. Unlike Taylor's work, however, this collection concentrates specifically on secular reason and explicitly on its relation to Christianity. In this sense, it is closer to Michael J. Buckley's At the Origins of Modern Atheism or, to a lesser degree, Louis Dupré's Passage to Modernity, which concern themselves with broad cultural developments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Christianity and Secular Reason about?

What is secularity? Might it yield or define a distinctive form of reasoning? If so, would that form of reasoning belong essentially to our modern age, or would it instead have a considerably older lineage? And what might be the relation of that form of reasoning, whatever its lineage, to the Christian thinking that is often said to oppose it? In the present volume, these and related questions are addressed by a distinguished group of scholars working primarily within the Roman Catholic theological tradition and from the perspectives of Continental philosophy. As a whole, the volume constitutes a conversation among thinkers who agree in their concerns but not necessarily their conclusions. Taken individually, each essay concentrates on a range of historical developments with close attention to their intellectual and sometimes pedagogical implications. Secular reason, they argue, is neither the antipode of Christian thought nor a stable and well-resolved component of it. Christian thinking may engage with secular reason as the site of profound difficulties, but on occasion will also learn from it as a source of new insight.

Christianity and Secular Reason contributes to the contemporary discussion of secularity prompted especially by Charles Taylor's book A Secular Age. Unlike Taylor's work, however, this collection concentrates specifically on secular reason and explicitly on its relation to Christianity. In this sense, it is closer to Michael J. Buckley's At the Origins of Modern Atheism or, to a lesser degree, Louis Dupré's Passage to Modernity, which concern themselves with broad cultural developments.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Christianity and Secular Reason?

Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Religion: general > Philosophy of religion

Where can I read a sample of Christianity and Secular Reason?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/2012008949

Is Christianity and Secular Reason part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Thresholds in Philosophy and Theology

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Christianity and Secular Reason?

University of Notre Dame Press

Who is the Publisher of the book Christianity and Secular Reason?

University of Notre Dame Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Christianity and Secular Reason is available as paperback(ISBN 2012008949) and paperback(ISBN 9780268022280) and pdf(ISBN 9780268075873)

Where can I buy Christianity and Secular Reason online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Christianity and Secular Reason?