Faith Without Belief?

Abstract

FOR MANY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE THERE IS A PROBLEM OF DOUBTING VARIOUS CREDAL STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THEIR RELIGIONS. OFTEN PROPOSITIONAL BELIEFS ARE LOOKED UPON AS NECESSARY CONDITIONS FOR SALVATION. THIS CAUSES GREAT ANXIETY IN DOUBTERS AND RAISES THE QUESTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF BELIEF IN RELIGION AND IN LIFE IN GENERAL. IT IS A QUESTION THAT HAS BEEN NEGLECTED IN PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION AND THEOLOGY. IN THIS PAPER I SHALL EXPLORE THE QUESTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF BELIEF AS A RELIGIOUS ATTITUDE AND SUGGEST THAT THERE IS AT LEAST ONE OTHER ATTITUDE WHICH MAY BE ADEQUATE FOR RELIGIOUS FAITH EVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF BELIEF.