Creative Faith argues that Christians need to fill the void left behind by heaven-obsessed theology with a new theology of moral striving. No longer should they aim to conserve the self, preparing for eternity: they must simply expend it, by living generously.
Exploring the emergence of a new Axial Age, the book examines how contemporary thinkers might address reality, the human condition, and happiness, akin to past philosophers like Plato and Buddha. It highlights the shift from individual genius to collective consensus in shaping ideas, emphasizing the role of communication in this transformation. Don Cupitt articulates the evolving landscape of religion and philosophy, suggesting that despite initial discomfort, society will ultimately embrace these new perspectives.
Written in 1970, the book captures the author's early thoughts during a time when Don Cupitt was embraced as a prominent believer. It reveals the tension between the author's traditional views and the emerging, more progressive ideas that would later define Cupitt's philosophy. This struggle highlights a significant shift in religious thought, suggesting that the work is not only a reflection of its time but also a precursor to future developments in belief and spirituality.
A sudden and intense religious experience in July 1997 leads Don Cupitt to explore a postmodern perspective on the world and humanity. Reflecting on his moment of insight, he articulates a secular interpretation of the doctrine of the Trinity, blending philosophical thought with personal revelation. This unique analysis delves into themes of spirituality and existence, challenging traditional views and offering a contemporary understanding of faith and the human condition.
Cupitt critiques the traditional teaching of religion, arguing that it often relies on selective philosophies to support theological agendas, resulting in a form of religious apologetics rather than authentic philosophical inquiry. He presents a systematic philosophy of religion that aims to address these issues, offering a fresh perspective that seeks to separate genuine philosophical thought from theological bias.
Focusing on the evolution of religious thought, Don Cupitt critiques the neo-Conservative and authoritarian trends in Christianity since the Enlightenment. He examines the efforts of early liberal theologians who sought to modernize religion but often only simplified existing creeds. In contrast, Cupitt highlights today's radical theology, which aims to create a fundamentally new approach to faith that may initially confuse the public. His work challenges traditional religious concepts and advocates for a more transformative understanding of spirituality.
Exploring the concept of the religious life, the book argues that despite the inadequacies of traditional questions about life's meaning, these inquiries hold significance. It presents a diverse array of paths within the religious experience and emphasizes the value of understanding the broader landscape of life. Through this exploration, the author suggests that insights can be gained by examining the various shapes and courses that the religious life can take.
The book explores the tension between storytelling and the philosophical pursuit of timeless truth, tracing the origins of Western thought's skepticism towards religious narratives. It examines the paradox of recognizing the significance of stories in shaping beliefs while grappling with their classification as myths or fictions. The author delves into the challenges theologians face in reconciling faith with the need to demythologize religious beliefs, highlighting the enduring struggle to articulate how stories convey deeper truths.
Don Cupitt presents a unique 'Devil's Dictionary' of his philosophical ideas, navigating through his extensive writings while addressing criticisms of obscurity. He advocates for a form of religious naturalism rooted in biological energies rather than geometrical reasoning. Cupitt reflects on the early Christians' expectations of a coming Kingdom, contrasting it with contemporary views that reject an afterlife. He calls for a shift towards living the philosophy of a final world, emphasizing a new spirituality focused on authenticity and generosity, inspired by the teachings of Jesus.
Time-pessimism is identified as a prevalent spiritual disorder, with the author advocating for its remedy through a transformative approach to postmodern religious thought. Emphasizing the need to redeem and revalue time, transience, and mortal life, the author expresses a strong belief in the possibility of achieving this renewal.