Restoring Faith in Reason: A New Translation of the Encyclical Letter Faith and Reason of Pope John Paul II together with a commentary and discussion

Containing the full Latin text alongside a new translation into English of Fides et ratio, this book is the first in what we hope will be a number of studies which, in different ways, and from a variety of perspectives, will pay generous heed to the questions this Encyclical has raised. These studies will together form a series, Faith in Reason: Philosophical Enquiries, informed by a desire for the mutual engagement of the disciplines of theology and philosophy in the problematic areas of current debate, and prepared at the highest and most serious level of scholarship. They may constitute an ecumenical renewal of the work of philosophical theology, both as an illumination of the foundations of faith, and as an apologetic for faith that may be heard by those in search of truth. This work is inspired by the assurance of John Paul II that 'by insisting on the truth of faith, we can both restore to contemporary men and women a true confidence in their capacity for reflecting and can also inspire philosophers to regain and develop the proper dignity of their discipline'. 'In a culture increasingly threatened by irrationality in philosophy, as well as by religious fundamentalisms, it has taken this trenchant pastoral intervention by the Bishop of Rome, paradoxical as this may seem to many, to open debate in the academic community about the central issues; his analysis and recommendations are examined, critically and sympathetically, and the debate substantially advanced, by the distinguished contributors to this volume.' - Fergus Kerr, Regent, Blackfriars Hall, Oxford. 'This is a timely, pertinent, and valuable book which addresses the main issues raised by Fides et ratio. Built upon the firm foundation of a new and exacting translation of the Encyclical Letter, the editors have also commissioned essays of commentary and analysis which exude not only philosophical intelligence and theological acumen but a spirit of critical fidelity. Restoring Faith in Reason is a most welcome addition to contemporary Roman Catholic thought which will provoke much needed debate and reflection'. - Martin W. F. Stone, Institute of Philosophy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven