Faith and Criticism The Sarum Lectures 1992

Faith and Criticism addresses a central problem in the church today - the tension between traditionalists and progressives. Traditionalists want above all to hold fast to traditional foundations in belief and ensure that nothing of value is lost, even at the risk of a clash with "modernknowledge". Progressives are concerned above all to proclaim a faith that is credible today, even at the risk of sacrificing some elements of traditional doctrine. They are often locked in uncomprehending conflict. Basil Mitchell argues that, not only in theology but in any other seriousintellectual pursuit, faith and criticism are interdependent. A tradition which is not open to criticism will eventually ossify; and without faith in some established tradition criticism has nothing to fasten upon. This interdependence of faith and criticism has implications for society at large.Religious education can be Christian without ceasing to be critical, and a liberal society can espouse Christian values.

Basil Mitchell was Nolloth Professor of the Philosophy of Christian Religion and Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford, from 1968 to 1984.