3 - Jesus’ Faith

Summary

This chapter offers an analysis of the arguments for and the theological implications of a subjective interpretation of Paul’s notion of “pistis Christou.” The chapter argues that on a subjective reading, the exegetical basis for the tradition Protestant understanding of human faith as the instrumental cause of salvation collapses. At the same time, such a reading does not in and by itself imply an alternative understanding of how one gets to participate in salvation. Moreover, most proposals for a subjective reading stay vague on the presumed content and reference of “pistis Christou.”