Customer Reviews

The Future of Belief: Theism in a World Come of Age.

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As an undergraduate in 1969 I was warned that this book was a difficult read. It was true then and it is true today. Dewart does not engage in any "pop" presentation of ideas but rather leads the reader on a rigorously exciting examination of an evolution in critical thinking. Dewart intends this book for those interested in "the problem of integrating Christian theistic belief with the everyday experience of contemporary man" (p.7). He is concerned mainly with the problem of everyday experience as understood within the Roman Catholic perspective at the time of the Second Vatican Council. The context in which Dewart writes reveals the issues and passions of the day. This is not a limitation. Although, not intended as a book on pastoral theology I recommend that the last chapter be read as such. "The Development of Christian Theism" has insights on self-conscious development of the Christian understanding of God that should be of interest to any critically thinking pastor of our day and age. Our conception of God is challenged by secular thought which fails to appreciate the Hellenist background to much doctrine and dogma. Dewart has presented, from this reviewer's perspective, an excellent academic understanding of the problem. He is able to help one to think one's way out of that Hellenist cultural setting and remain faithful to the truth it has expressed. Not to be overlooked are the copious footnotes in the text which indicate the seriousness and depth of Dewart's thinking. They are of exceptional use in helping the contemporary individual in understanding the evolutionary characteristic of interpretive thought. Further, these notes provide a much needed corrective to the misunderstood and misrepresented classical ideas of antiquity often encountered popular religious books. I would not recommend the book for the average reader, nor the lazy reader. In fact, this is a painful book, not so much to read, but to put into practice. It calls the reader to a future self-confidence based on a self-conscious awareness of who we are and what we have the potential to become. Understanding Vatican II as a Christian watershed, Dewart writes: "We now stand on a very uncertain terrain. We are justified in exploring it solely for the attempt's possible heuristic value" (p. 173).