The Relationship Between Faith and Reason From a Catholic Perspective
Have you ever this what is the relationship between faith and reason? This essay canvasses on this relationship from a catholic perspective. It focuses on catholic denomination which has sought to address conflicting church tenets through its Vatican council and seeks reconciliation with other churches. It also addresses modern issues such as education, the birth control debate and celibacy of the clergy. Additionally, it liberates the church to socialize with non-Christians and admonishes racism. Due to its striving to be malleable to the adaptations of the modern churches and seeking to address pertinent issues affecting the church populace, it is the best example of denomination to examine its faith and resonance. Philosophy and theology have clear cut out boundaries but are each complementary to each other for their efficacy in application.
Catholics are attuned to making rational decisions independent of emotions in demonstrating God’s existence and his relationship with man. They hold firmly to reason save it is contrary to the church and their revelation. Moreover, physics is quite untenable in its foundation. It goes beyond what is known, scientists must give new explanations to novel finding which are inexplicable. They therefore rely partly on faith. Additionally, mathematics which was previously known for giving standard knowledge may be speculations to the advantage of the inventors.Therefore, unlike other denominations whose beliefs are founded on messianic expectations and disillusions, Catholics fall on rationality.
Philosophy and theologians base their arguments on two sources of knowledge: knowledge that is naturally acquired through human powers and knowledge that is acquired through revelation. Catholics fall on Thomas Aquinas’ argument that natural reason is bounded. They therefore rely on knowledge acquired through revelation which is certain
The channels of revelation are mainly three. First, the spoken word of God which inspired the writings in the scriptures. Second, the revelation of Mark, Paul and Peter’s oral teachings are not exhaustively dealt with in the bible. Catholics therefore go to extra biblical authority to identify the unnamed parts of the bible. Third, the revelation is through the church itself. Peter was told that he will be the rock upon which the church will be built. Subsequently, the authority has been delegated to his successors.
Compared to daily and natural occurrences which are certain and probable, revelation is inspired by faith. The father, the son and the Holy Spirit as one person is infinite and unconventional knowledge. It goes beyond reason and human experience. Such revelation is dependent on God’s grace and the willingness to believe. It is also dependent on the supremacy of God who can never err or lead to err.
In conclusion, Catholics reasoning is within the boundaries of what is in the scripture and authorised in the church. While theology is grounded on revelation, philosophy depends on adduced evidence. Theology is at times grounded on supra-rational. Its assurance is on the supremacy and sovereignty of God which is certain unlike philosophic evidence which may require new explanations if new evidence is provided. Philosophy assumes the competence of reason which is uncertain.
