News / Education
New Christian Theology: We Don’t Have to Believe to Have Faith
David J.H. Hart’s Christianity Challenges Religious Doctrines
One of the many reasons people have become disillusioned with the Christian church is because they have acquired in their church the understanding that to have “faith” means to believe all sorts of things, which as post-modern, scientifically educated people they can no longer believe. Christian theology can cause problems for these people. Things like the earth was created in seven days, Jesus had to die on the cross for the salvation of the world, and that women today should play the same roles they were required to play in an ancient, patriarchal society, no longer seem plausible.
David J.H. Hart wants people to know that they can still be a Christian and a person of faith without believing the Bible is literal. He states “religious beliefs are ideas; they are abstract, conceptual approximations of reality. They are constantly changing human constructs, not absolute divine dictates.”
"Christianity" shows a new vision of God and faith that is emerging today. Historically, people have been shaped by a belief in a God who exists “up in the sky” beyond human life and existence. The truth (as Harts sees it) is that the biblical tradition also speaks of a God who is ever-present, who surrounds us on all sides, who lives within us, and it is this vision which should guide us. Christian theology can be questioned and changed. Hart says the doubt that we have, far from being a hindrance to spiritual growth, is in fact critical to spiritual growth and maturity.
David Hart is the minister of Bedford United Church, a large congregation of the United Church of Canada, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is known across Canada for its progressive leadership in contemporary worship, theology, social justice and spirituality.
Christianity: A New Look at Ancient Wisdom
David J.H.Hart
Published by Northstone, an imprint of Wood Lake Publishing
Spirituality
Paper • 288 pages
ISBN 1-896836-76-3 • $27.95
Northstone
Where Spirituality and Real Life Meet
The Northstone imprint focuses on bringing a spiritual and values-based perspective to everyday life. Northstone authors are skilled at offering practical ways to live our values in our everyday lives.
For Interviews or Review Copies Contact: Darcy Drobena, Phone: 1.800.299.2926 ext. 221
Website www.woodlakebooks.com
