The nature of faith

Drawing from an orthodox biblical interpretation, it is determined that faith consists in fides (assent) and fiducia (trust). As such, the inquiry of this thesis will analyze faith as a species of knowledge and action. The aspects of the constituents of faith analyzed are its logical and phenomenological properties. That is, what is faith necessarily? and what does it look like to those who exercise it? In achieving this end, the theory of intentionality is utilized, and particularly the theory espoused by John Searle. The benefits of utilizing the theory of intentionality are at least threefold. First, it takes into consideration the fact that faith is essentially directed at an object. To understand faith is to understand the special relationship between the subject and object. Secondly, we may see how belief(s) function in the act of faith. And lastly, we may draw a correspondence between the intentional and propositional nature of revelation and the mind that affirms it. Rejecting an existentialist interpretation of faith without belief, a distinction here is made between a belief, a belief-in, a religious belief, faith, religious faith, and saving faith where, except for relig