Faith - iv - the need for 'Dialectical' faith in Christ

To this point we have considered two different expressions of faith, the 'intellectual' and the 'experiential'. And we showed how in fact they were both extremes of true faith. The 'intellectual' approach tends to feed into a salvation by knowledge, and an emphasis of doctrine overagainst holistic faith. At the other end, the 'experiential' approach tends to subjegate all things to one's feelings, ultimately making God beholden to the believer. Both of these extremes are both unsatisfying and unacceptable.

After critiquing these two oft practiced forms of faith in Christ, we are left with the question of 'how do we believe?', or, 'what does true faith look like?' In fact, we might be tempted at this point to seek out some 'tertium quid'; one that provides with an out, an answer to avoiding these 'faith' extremes. Rather, the answer, I submit, comes to us in the form of 'dialectical' faith in Christ.

It is in their practice as extremes that each becomes problematic. However, as humans, we have a natural proclivity toward extremes. Therefore, we must recognize the valid role that both the 'intellectual' and the 'experiential' plays in faith development and formation. In grasping this truth, we recognize that true faith, then, is a dialectical tension. Each is held in equal tension with the other, refusing to allow the other to master the other; each refusing to give way to the other. This 'dialectical' faith in Christ recognizes that first of all, faith is first and foremost a gift from God. We believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God because He was first revealed to us through the Scriptures by the Holy Spirit as sent by the Father. The undergirding of this 'dialectical' faith in Christ, therefore, also informs us that faith is a trinitarian event, the activity of the Triune God of grace - faith is not under our subjective control (i.e., 'experiential' faith), nor is it merely something I gain for myself through rigorous study (i.e., 'intellectual' faith); and yet at the same time, I must acquiesce on some level and therefore know who God is, and I am invited to participate in it, experience who God is.

The 'dialectical' faith in Christ, then, holds the ontic (being) and the noetic (knowing) in beautiful tension, one that is uncomfortable at times, but also reminds us that faith is not our creation, not at our command. True faith in Christ is His gift to us that we may believe and enter into everlasting relationship (covenant) with the God who saves.