The Relationship between Faith and Reason
Ashley Reynolds
STUDENT
TH101: THEOLOGY MAJOR ESSAY
Faith&Reason
“Faith and Reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth” Explain the dangers for a theologian when faith and reason are divorced from each other. Use at least one example of a Christian teaching that shows the harmony of faith and reason
The harmony of faith and reason are the grounds upon which many Christian teachings are built. This relationship enhances elements of both constructs, however the danger of separating reason from faith is that reason will endeavour to prove literally and most logically which would cause the ultimate goal and question to be lost in deliberation and, on the other hand, separating faith from reason would cause faith to be viewed as mere fable or superstition. The two must cooperate in equal conjunction in order for the human spirit to rise to the contemplation of truth as proposed in the encyclical letter ‘Fides et Ratio’ by the late supreme pontiff Pope John Paul II.
Reason could be simply defined as the logical conclusion drawn from literal occurrences or the confirmed nature of a tradition or practise. However more elements of Reason hold true in addition to the prospect of something that can be ‘proven’. Reason is generally understood as the principals for a methodological inquiry, whether intellectual, moral, aesthetic or religious.1 Any acquisition of intellectual knowledge, through either direct understanding or argument is a representation of ‘reason’
1
The Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy
Hebrews 11:1 states that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”. The basis of faith is usually adapted from the authority of revelation whether that be direct (God speaking directly to a person), or indirect (books of the bible, sermons by priests, etc). Faith depicts a trust in God and his promises to his people. Pope John Paul II stated that through Christian
STUDENT
TH101: THEOLOGY MAJOR ESSAY
Faith&Reason
“Faith and Reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth” Explain the dangers for a theologian when faith and reason are divorced from each other. Use at least one example of a Christian teaching that shows the harmony of faith and reason
The harmony of faith and reason are the grounds upon which many Christian teachings are built. This relationship enhances elements of both constructs, however the danger of separating reason from faith is that reason will endeavour to prove literally and most logically which would cause the ultimate goal and question to be lost in deliberation and, on the other hand, separating faith from reason would cause faith to be viewed as mere fable or superstition. The two must cooperate in equal conjunction in order for the human spirit to rise to the contemplation of truth as proposed in the encyclical letter ‘Fides et Ratio’ by the late supreme pontiff Pope John Paul II.
Reason could be simply defined as the logical conclusion drawn from literal occurrences or the confirmed nature of a tradition or practise. However more elements of Reason hold true in addition to the prospect of something that can be ‘proven’. Reason is generally understood as the principals for a methodological inquiry, whether intellectual, moral, aesthetic or religious.1 Any acquisition of intellectual knowledge, through either direct understanding or argument is a representation of ‘reason’
1
The Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy
Hebrews 11:1 states that “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”. The basis of faith is usually adapted from the authority of revelation whether that be direct (God speaking directly to a person), or indirect (books of the bible, sermons by priests, etc). Faith depicts a trust in God and his promises to his people. Pope John Paul II stated that through Christian
References: Freddoso, A (date unknown). Pope John Paul II’s Fides Et Ratio (9/14/98), Study Notes from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA, http://www.nd.edu/~afreddos/papers/fides-et-ratio-notes.htm#chap4 Makumba, M (2005). Introduction to Philosophy, Paulines Publications, Africa Mallek, C (2007). Bad Philosophy and the Divorce of Faith and Reason, Catholic Champion Marshall, B (1999). Faith and Reason Reconsidered: Aquinas and Luther on Deciding What is True, St. Olaf College, Northfield Minnesota Neuhaus, R (date unknown). A Passion for Truth: The Way of Faith and Reason, The Public Square, 65 Olson, R (2008). Faith and Reason: What is the Relationship?, Ross Olson’s Web Site, http://www.rossolson.org/religion/faith_reason.html Paul, Pope John (1998). Fides et Ratio. Simpson, Peter (2001) The Christianity of Philosophy. First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, May Issue, 32-36 Spaemann, R (2005). Rationality and Faith in God. Communio: International Catholic Review, Issue 32, 618-636 Swindal, J (2008). Faith and Reason, The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, http://www.iep.utm.edu/f/faith-re.htm