Taxonomy of Faith and the Propulsive Theory of Faith: A Scripture-Governed Theo-Theoretical Framework for Faith Theology

Abstract

This paper develops an integrated Scripture-Governed framework that combines a taxonomy of faith with the proposed Propulsive Theory of Faith. The taxonomy addresses how scriptural descriptions of faith may be classified, while the theory explains how faith functions as a motivating conviction through which a person responds to what God has communicated. The study adopts a Scripture-governed qualitative conceptual analysis, employing scriptural review design by engaging with selected and relevant biblical and theological scholarship. The paper examines faith in relation to its object, source, operation, expression, condition, and outcome. It distinguishes person-associated descriptions, functional descriptions, and descriptions of faith’s condition without treating them as mutually exclusive biblical species. It also clarifies the Delean analytical terms, “abstracted realities” and “concreted realities,” as theoretical terms. Abraham’s response to God’s call and Noah’s response to divine warning illustrate the proposed propulsive sequence: divine communication, faith, action, and possible outcome. The paper argues that the observability of an action does not make the faith motivating it empirical in nature. The findings reveal the taxonomy classifies the different objects, exemplars, functions, conditions, and expressions of faith, whereas the Propulsive Theory of Faith explains how faith motivates a person's response to what God has communicated. It concludes that the taxonomy and theory can function together as a preliminary framework for Faith Theology, subject to further exegetical testing, critical review, and clarification of the scope and limits of each category. However, the study contributes largely to the frontiers of knowledge in Faith theology.