The Maturity of Belief: Critically Assessing Religious Faith

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Today there is growing concern with the problems posed by dogmatic religious belief.Throughout history religion has too often been a source of contention between groups of people and has frequently stifled intellectual (especially scientific) and social progress. Rather than abandon religious belief altogether, as some suggest, Kevin Lowery contends that the real problem is the intellectual immaturity with which religious beliefs are held.This book thus explores the nature and dynamics of religious belief, and it offers constructive criticism in order to promote the intellectual maturity of religious belief.

Rather than artificially resolving points of tension by simply dismissing particular viewpoints out of hand, as withthe radical skeptics and the dogmatists, Lowery argues that intellectual maturity requires us to acknowledge the limitations of our beliefs.

Reviews

"In this important and courageous book, Kevin Lowery challenges us all to examine the maturity of our most cherished beliefs. Do we cling dogmatically to unexamined certainties Are we stuck at the level of comfortable traditions or childish wish-fulfilmentBeliefs held at this level cannot stand up to the challenges of modern life, Lowery argues, and can be positively dangerous for the individual believer and for society at large. Drawing on an impressively wide-ranging philosophical learning, informed by a genuinely pastoral sensitivity, Lowery identifies the criteria for mature faith and offers practical guidance for growing towards the ideal he presents. And while he speaks specifically to his fellow Christians, there is also much here to interest -- and challenge -- those of other faiths, or none at all." Jean Porter, Rev. John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame, USA

Author Bio

Kevin Twain Lowery is Associate Professor at Olivet Nazarene University, USA, where he teaches theology and philosophy.