Dwyer, Some Answers to the Questions of Fundamental Theology [1.2.8.2] 1 These are partial and fragmentary answers to the various questions raised in fundamental theology, and listed on the outline you have already re-ceived. All of them need to be expanded (many to book-length), and all of them raise more questions than they answer. I propose them here as suggestions of avenues down which you can profitably think out your own answers. The numeration follows that of the outline you have received, except for a few cases which are noted. 1 Faith is letting God define himself on his own terms, in his own way, in his own good time. Christian faith is letting God define himself (and us) in Jesus Christ. For Paul, faith is hearkening to the word of uncondi-tional acceptance that God has spoken in Jesus Christ, particularly on the cross. In the Synoptics, faith is relying totally on Jesus. 1.1 Historical study cannot «prove» faith, nor can it provide the mo-tive for faith. But historical study can show us how God has de-fined himself – that is, it can clarify what it is that we are called to believe. 1.1.1 [This section does not correspond to one of the questions on your outline.] Historical study can also make us suspicious of some stances (of ourselves and of others) which pose as Christian but which are hard to reconcile with positions taken by the historical Jesus. 1.2 Faith is not an alternative to understanding, to the use of ...