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When Faith Meets Reason: Religion Scholars Reflect on Their Spiritual Journeys
What happens to faith when the creeds and confessions can no longer be squared with historical and empirical evidence? Most critical scholars have wrestled with this question. Some have found ways to reconcile their personal religious belief with the scholarship they practice. Others have chosen to reconstruct their view of religious meaning in light of what they have learned. But most have tended not to share those views in a public forum. And that brings up a second question: at what point does the discrepancy between what I know, or think I know, and what I am willing to say publicly become so acute that my personal integrity is at stake? Being honest about what one thinks has always mattered in critical scholarship. In the pages of When Faith Meets Reason, thirteen scholars take up the challenge to speak candidly about how they negotiate the conflicting claims of faith and reason, in hopes that their journeys will inspire others to engage in their own search for meaning.
- GenresReligionSpirituality
168 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2008
2 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Charles W. Hedrick
20 books2 followersThe following is taken from Mr. Hedrick's website.
My name is Charles Webster Hedrick, but my friends call me "Charlie," a nickname I decided on when I left high school for college back in 1952. It stuck. My son, Charles, Jr., whom I call "Cholie," does not like it at all and insists on being called Charles--but he calls his son, Charles III, "Chaz." I will stick with "Charlie" for now, but have given some consideration to going back to "Charles" as being more appropriate for an aging New Testament professor.
I was educated at a small Southern Baptist liberal arts college in the deep south (Mississippi College, Clinton, Mississippi, 1958) and a Southern Baptist Seminary (Golden Gate, Mill Valley, California, 1962). After seminary, I was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Needles, California for three years, resigning to return to my studies in 1965. I worked as a Deputy Probation Officer in Los Angeles County (Juvenile Probation) for 13 years while I completed an M.A. at the University of Southern California (1968) and a Ph.D. at Claremont Graduate School (1977).
Southwest Missouri State University
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield, Missouri 65804
e-mail: charles@charleshedrick.com
fax: 417-862-8207
I am married to Peggy, who was a traditional housewife for about 20 years while our children were growing up. Today Peggy is an attorney with two law degrees and a private law practice in Springfield, MO, where we have lived for many years.
Together, Peggy and I have three children (Charles, Jr., Janet Lucinda, and Lois Kathryn) and seven grandchildren (Christopher, Katie, Kimberly, Chaz, Meg, Ella, and Mary). Peggy has a cat named Itty Bitty and a dog named Jack that I am slowly learning (with difficulty) to tolerate.
I retired as a U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain (Colonel) after 30 years' service. My highest award was the "Legion of Merit." I have served as pastor of churches in Mississippi, California, and New York City. In December 2004, I retired from teaching for the Religious Studies Department at Southwest Missouri State University, where I had been a religious studies professor since 1980.
Research Interests
My research interests should be described as focusing on Christian origins. I taught subjects related to that interest at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri (viz., Jesus of Nazareth, New Testament Introduction, Parables, Gnosticism, etc.). My publications have been primarily in the area of Gospels, Nag Hammadi, Gnosticism, the Graeco-Roman world, and related topics. My book on parables, Parables as Poetic Fictions, The Creative Voice of Jesus [Hendrickson, Literary Critic issue]), published in 1994 raises, I think, some significant issues for the study of the parables, which is the backbone of the Jesus tradition. Two recent books (I do not recommend having two books in press at the same time) are The Gospel of the Savior, A New Ancient Gospel (Polebridge, 1999) and When History and Faith Collide: Studying Jesus (Hendrickson, 1999). The Gospel of the Savior is the first publication of a new gospel manuscript in Coptic whose composition dates before the latter half of the second century C.E. I found languishing in the Berlin, Germany Egyptian Museum. When History and Faith Collide is an inductive study of the problem of attempting to describe Jesus of Nazareth as a historical human being. It is written for college students, and is intended to help them engage the problem for themselves. My most recent book, Many Things in Parables, Jesus and his Modern Critics, establishes a consistent theory for my approach to Parables. It is written for the non-specialist. If you are interested in more information on my research, publications, or activities look at the curriculum vitae.
My name is Charles Webster Hedrick, but my friends call me "Charlie," a nickname I decided on when I left high school for college back in 1952. It stuck. My son, Charles, Jr., whom I call "Cholie," does not like it at all and insists on being called Charles--but he calls his son, Charles III, "Chaz." I will stick with "Charlie" for now, but have given some consideration to going back to "Charles" as being more appropriate for an aging New Testament professor.
I was educated at a small Southern Baptist liberal arts college in the deep south (Mississippi College, Clinton, Mississippi, 1958) and a Southern Baptist Seminary (Golden Gate, Mill Valley, California, 1962). After seminary, I was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Needles, California for three years, resigning to return to my studies in 1965. I worked as a Deputy Probation Officer in Los Angeles County (Juvenile Probation) for 13 years while I completed an M.A. at the University of Southern California (1968) and a Ph.D. at Claremont Graduate School (1977).
Southwest Missouri State University
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield, Missouri 65804
e-mail: charles@charleshedrick.com
fax: 417-862-8207
I am married to Peggy, who was a traditional housewife for about 20 years while our children were growing up. Today Peggy is an attorney with two law degrees and a private law practice in Springfield, MO, where we have lived for many years.
Together, Peggy and I have three children (Charles, Jr., Janet Lucinda, and Lois Kathryn) and seven grandchildren (Christopher, Katie, Kimberly, Chaz, Meg, Ella, and Mary). Peggy has a cat named Itty Bitty and a dog named Jack that I am slowly learning (with difficulty) to tolerate.
I retired as a U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain (Colonel) after 30 years' service. My highest award was the "Legion of Merit." I have served as pastor of churches in Mississippi, California, and New York City. In December 2004, I retired from teaching for the Religious Studies Department at Southwest Missouri State University, where I had been a religious studies professor since 1980.
Research Interests
My research interests should be described as focusing on Christian origins. I taught subjects related to that interest at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri (viz., Jesus of Nazareth, New Testament Introduction, Parables, Gnosticism, etc.). My publications have been primarily in the area of Gospels, Nag Hammadi, Gnosticism, the Graeco-Roman world, and related topics. My book on parables, Parables as Poetic Fictions, The Creative Voice of Jesus [Hendrickson, Literary Critic issue]), published in 1994 raises, I think, some significant issues for the study of the parables, which is the backbone of the Jesus tradition. Two recent books (I do not recommend having two books in press at the same time) are The Gospel of the Savior, A New Ancient Gospel (Polebridge, 1999) and When History and Faith Collide: Studying Jesus (Hendrickson, 1999). The Gospel of the Savior is the first publication of a new gospel manuscript in Coptic whose composition dates before the latter half of the second century C.E. I found languishing in the Berlin, Germany Egyptian Museum. When History and Faith Collide is an inductive study of the problem of attempting to describe Jesus of Nazareth as a historical human being. It is written for college students, and is intended to help them engage the problem for themselves. My most recent book, Many Things in Parables, Jesus and his Modern Critics, establishes a consistent theory for my approach to Parables. It is written for the non-specialist. If you are interested in more information on my research, publications, or activities look at the curriculum vitae.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 20, 2019
Quite an amazing book.
13 of the world’s top theologians/ministers/scholars explain in very candid essays what they REALLY believe, personally, when it comes to religion. Men and women; straight and gay... What they share is startling! Fundamentalists would be irate if they tried to read this. One theme expressed by many is that the world has changed drastically in the last 2,000 years; religion must be allowed to change/evolve as well.
13 of the world’s top theologians/ministers/scholars explain in very candid essays what they REALLY believe, personally, when it comes to religion. Men and women; straight and gay... What they share is startling! Fundamentalists would be irate if they tried to read this. One theme expressed by many is that the world has changed drastically in the last 2,000 years; religion must be allowed to change/evolve as well.
June 19, 2016
Anyone who studies New Testament history will discover significant differences between and among the writers of the New Testament regarding theology and their understandings as to who Jesus was. Additional study of non-canonical manuscripts of early Christian writings reveals still greater diversity of opinions about theology and Christology. Then as one learns about how the early creeds were carefully worded to narrow the definition of what constituted Christianity, it becomes apparent that there was a lot of human politics involved in deciding what were acceptable Christian beliefs. Also, careful analysis of historical evidence reveals that the historical Jesus was most likely quite a bit different from his depiction by the New Testament writers. Viewed in this light, the title of "Holy Word of God" begins to appear a bit tarnished.
Then if that weren't enough, modern science has developed an understanding of energy, matter, the universe and living cells to plainly show that biblical portrayals of a personal God reigning over a three tiered universe simply gets no further than the metaphorical stage. So what's a person to do after investing ones life in the Christian faith and developing a circle of friends centered around a church community? Well, for me it means that it's time to change my concept of God and understanding of who Jesus was to fit the new realities.
Biblical scholars are in a similar position. After a lifetime of academic study they are so far removed from the beliefs of the common church member that they often need to keep their understandings of biblical history to themselves, or lose their jobs -- if their salaries are paid by churches that hold to conservative beliefs.
I was attracted to this book because its contents are written by thirteen different bible scholars who have been invited to describe their personal faith journeys through a life time of academic study. This book contains their essays in which they lay it all on the line, and say what they really believe.
I was part of an adult Sunday school class that used this book as a basis for discussions over a three month period. We found the book to be a useful tool for initiating discussion about what to do when old understandings of faith simply don't hold up to modern understandings of reality. Some in our class, including myself, were not entirely satisfied with the images of God suggested by any of the essays in this book. We found the images of God as described by Gordon D. Kaufman in his book In the Beginning Creativity to be more useful for us. Kaufman has also written a later book titled Jesus and Creativity which serves as a good follow-up to those of us from a Christian background.
Link to my review of In The Beginning...Creativity by Gordon D. Kaufman.
Link to my review of Jesus and Creativity by Gordon D. Kaufman.
Then if that weren't enough, modern science has developed an understanding of energy, matter, the universe and living cells to plainly show that biblical portrayals of a personal God reigning over a three tiered universe simply gets no further than the metaphorical stage. So what's a person to do after investing ones life in the Christian faith and developing a circle of friends centered around a church community? Well, for me it means that it's time to change my concept of God and understanding of who Jesus was to fit the new realities.
Biblical scholars are in a similar position. After a lifetime of academic study they are so far removed from the beliefs of the common church member that they often need to keep their understandings of biblical history to themselves, or lose their jobs -- if their salaries are paid by churches that hold to conservative beliefs.
I was attracted to this book because its contents are written by thirteen different bible scholars who have been invited to describe their personal faith journeys through a life time of academic study. This book contains their essays in which they lay it all on the line, and say what they really believe.
I was part of an adult Sunday school class that used this book as a basis for discussions over a three month period. We found the book to be a useful tool for initiating discussion about what to do when old understandings of faith simply don't hold up to modern understandings of reality. Some in our class, including myself, were not entirely satisfied with the images of God suggested by any of the essays in this book. We found the images of God as described by Gordon D. Kaufman in his book In the Beginning Creativity to be more useful for us. Kaufman has also written a later book titled Jesus and Creativity which serves as a good follow-up to those of us from a Christian background.
Link to my review of In The Beginning...Creativity by Gordon D. Kaufman.
Link to my review of Jesus and Creativity by Gordon D. Kaufman.
May 30, 2024
For individuals grappling with the often-contentious interplay between faith and reason, When Faith Meets Reason edited by Charles W. Hedrick, is a must read. This captivating anthology comprises essays penned by thirteen distinguished religious scholars who delve into the intersection of their scholarly endeavours and personal convictions. The book aims to not only illuminate the intellectual challenges faced by these scholars but also to encourage readers to embark on their own journeys of enquiry.
Hedrick boldly explores the complex intricacies of the topic. The scholars, hailing from diverse religious backgrounds, wrestle with profound enquiries. Can historical and scientific evidence harmonise with religious doctrines? How can faith coexist with uncertainty? These pressing questions serve as focal points in the book, offering a rich blend of personal narratives and insightful examinations.
The beauty of When Faith Meets Reason lies in its multifaceted nature. There is no one-size-fits-all solution presented here. While some contributors, such as Robert M. Price, lean towards scepticism, others, like Walter Wink, seamlessly fuse their academic pursuits with a steadfast faith tradition. It is this spectrum of viewpoints that makes the book truly engaging. It challenges readers to reexamine their own beliefs and contemplate the idea that faith and reason can actually work together.
Hedrick's editing touch is subtle yet impactful. The format allows each scholar's individual voice to come through, providing a fresh angle on the main topic. The personal stories woven throughout the book bring an element of relatability, grounding the often-abstract discussions in reality. The expertise of the contributors is unquestionable. They are all respected scholars, lending credibility to their viewpoints. The references and sources are meticulously cited, demonstrating a profound grasp of both religious studies and philosophy.
When Faith Meets Reason goes beyond being just another academic text. It delves into challenging ideas that push boundaries and promote intellectual integrity. While some may find the lack of clear-cut answers frustrating, this is intentional. The goal isn't to offer simple solutions but rather to guide readers on a journey of self-discovery. This book stands out in religious studies by presenting a nuanced and honest viewpoint. It differs from works that advocate for blind faith or reason alone by celebrating the enriching dialogue between these two aspects.
Of course, there are minor drawbacks. The multitude of different viewpoints can feel overwhelming at times, and some readers may prefer a more focused approach. Nevertheless, the variety of perspectives stands out as the book's greatest asset.
When Faith Meets Reason is an engrossing and thought-provoking read. It's a must read for anyone looking to dig deeper into the intricate relationship between faith and reason. This book will resonate with religious scholars, individuals questioning their beliefs, and those intrigued by the human journey of grappling with profound questions. It presents a challenging yet fulfilling exploration that leaves a lasting impression.
Hedrick boldly explores the complex intricacies of the topic. The scholars, hailing from diverse religious backgrounds, wrestle with profound enquiries. Can historical and scientific evidence harmonise with religious doctrines? How can faith coexist with uncertainty? These pressing questions serve as focal points in the book, offering a rich blend of personal narratives and insightful examinations.
The beauty of When Faith Meets Reason lies in its multifaceted nature. There is no one-size-fits-all solution presented here. While some contributors, such as Robert M. Price, lean towards scepticism, others, like Walter Wink, seamlessly fuse their academic pursuits with a steadfast faith tradition. It is this spectrum of viewpoints that makes the book truly engaging. It challenges readers to reexamine their own beliefs and contemplate the idea that faith and reason can actually work together.
Hedrick's editing touch is subtle yet impactful. The format allows each scholar's individual voice to come through, providing a fresh angle on the main topic. The personal stories woven throughout the book bring an element of relatability, grounding the often-abstract discussions in reality. The expertise of the contributors is unquestionable. They are all respected scholars, lending credibility to their viewpoints. The references and sources are meticulously cited, demonstrating a profound grasp of both religious studies and philosophy.
When Faith Meets Reason goes beyond being just another academic text. It delves into challenging ideas that push boundaries and promote intellectual integrity. While some may find the lack of clear-cut answers frustrating, this is intentional. The goal isn't to offer simple solutions but rather to guide readers on a journey of self-discovery. This book stands out in religious studies by presenting a nuanced and honest viewpoint. It differs from works that advocate for blind faith or reason alone by celebrating the enriching dialogue between these two aspects.
Of course, there are minor drawbacks. The multitude of different viewpoints can feel overwhelming at times, and some readers may prefer a more focused approach. Nevertheless, the variety of perspectives stands out as the book's greatest asset.
When Faith Meets Reason is an engrossing and thought-provoking read. It's a must read for anyone looking to dig deeper into the intricate relationship between faith and reason. This book will resonate with religious scholars, individuals questioning their beliefs, and those intrigued by the human journey of grappling with profound questions. It presents a challenging yet fulfilling exploration that leaves a lasting impression.
March 2, 2023
It appears from the bio on goodreads that Charles W. Hedrick is an okay guy.
Sadly the name of his book is quite misleading.
'Reason' implies clever, learned etc. That may be correct.
'Faith' generally implies believing in something.
This book is primarily written by clever people who do not have any faith, and want to tell us why, so they don't have to go on being hypocrites.
If you are looking for reasons to abandon your beliefs - this will get 4-5 stars from you...
Sadly the name of his book is quite misleading.
'Reason' implies clever, learned etc. That may be correct.
'Faith' generally implies believing in something.
This book is primarily written by clever people who do not have any faith, and want to tell us why, so they don't have to go on being hypocrites.
If you are looking for reasons to abandon your beliefs - this will get 4-5 stars from you...
February 19, 2009
In these honest, reflective, personal essays, thirteen members of the Jesus Seminar share how they have made religious sense of their lives in the modern world. Each essay is different in content and style, and together they form a thought-provoking mosaic of approaches to spiritual life, thought, and practice. Very worthwhile reading.
January 18, 2009
Excellent read!
July 15, 2012
These essays vary from starkly and refreshingly honest, to sort of wandering in dusty theological badlands. In sum, quite a few gems to add to my treasury of thought.
June 24, 2014
Excellent essays on authors' personal experiences about when their religion had to stand up to their modern mind. Their religion had to adapt or leave.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews