Faith and reason

The relationship between faith and reason is explored, with a focus on the rationality of the Christian
faith. The question of whether faith and reason exclude one another is raised, emphasizing the potential
danger of separating them. Christianity rejects the dichotomy between a blind, irrational faith and a
faithless reason, affirming the interdependence of faith and reason.

Biblical Foundations

Biblical foundations for the rationality of Christian faith are highlighted. St. Paul's theology
acknowledges the Gospel's perceived foolishness in the eyes of the wise but emphasizes the rationality
of entrusting oneself to God. St. Paul sees offering oneself to God as a reasonable form of worship. Acts
26:25 reinforces the idea that St. Paul considers his words as "words of sober truth and good sense." St.
Paul's duty is to defend and establish the Gospel, and he often connects reason and understanding with
the Christian faith.

St. Peter also expresses the rationality of the Christian faith, urging believers to provide answers for
those questioning the reason for their hope. The conscious use of the word "logos" (reason) and
"apologia" (answer) implies believers should argumentatively justify their Christian hope with rational
and convincing arguments to those outside the faith. This underscores the belief that Christian hope
contains reason, and the defense of faith is to lay bare this reason.

The summary emphasizes that while the rationality of faith is affirmed, it doesn't imply replacing faith
with rational proofs. Christian theology and the Teaching Office of the Church consistently reject such a
substitution, maintaining the unique interplay between faith and reason.

Early Christian Apologetics

1.) Etymological definition of Apologetics

The term "apologia," from which the word apologetics is derived, refers to the justification and defense
of the Christian faith against accusations and skepticism. It refers to the professional and systematic
exposition of the truth of the Christian faith. In s strict sense, it denotes the literary defence of the truth
of the Christian faith against accusations and skepticism.
2.) Second century Apologists

During the time of the Apostles and the Apostolic Fathers, little apologetic work was recorded, except
for instances in the New Testament. However, in the early 2nd century AD, the Church recognized the
need for a rational defense of the Christian faith. Apologists, such as (Greek Church) Justin the Martyr,
Tertian, Aristides von Athens, Athanagoras of Athens, Theophilus of Antioch, Clement of Alexandria,
Origen, Eusebius of Caesarea, (Latin Church) Tertullian, Lactanz, and Augustine of Hippo, emerged to
provide literary defenses against Hellenistic philosophy.

These apologetic efforts were prompted by disputes with Judaism, the need to counter suspicions and
defamation, protection against persecution, and addressing philosophical doubts, including the
accusation that Christians were atheists.

3.) Methodology Applied

Early apologists utilized the philosophy of their time, Middle Platonism, to present Christian truths and
demonstrate the rationality of Christianity. Jesus was identified with the world-logos, and the rationality
of the Christian faith was portrayed as a sensible philosophy.

The impact of early Christian apologetics extended beyond their time, significantly shaping later
theology by emphasizing the rationality of the Christian faith. The commitment to a theology guided by
reason persisted throughout the history of the Church.

Apologetic Models of High Scholasticism

This period known as the middle ages consist predominantly of Christian philosophers who carried out
philosophy in the light of theology. Their major aim was to show the essence of God rather than his
existence since the Christian faith had already by this time been generally accepted.

1.) Anselm of Canterbury:

Anselm, considered the father of scholasticism, articulated the theological endeavor as "fides quaerens
intellectum" (faith seeking understanding). He emphasized the darkening of human reason by sin,
asserting the dependence of reason on the light of faith. Anselm prioritized faith over reason, aiming to
make the Christian faith convincing (plausible) through rigorous logical thinking. His goal was to
rationalize the truths of the Christian faith without reducing them to mere human reason.
2.) Thomas Aquinas:

Aquinas argued that supernatural truths cannot be proven by unaided human reason alone, as they
require revelation. He focused on praembula fidei (preambles of faith), such as the existence of God and
the immortality of the soul, basing his arguments on natural reason supporting the credibility of
revelation. Aquinas maintained that reason can only present and defend supernatural truths, not prove
them independently.

3.) Vatican I over the Rationality of the Christian Faith:

Vatican I highlighted that the Christian faith is beyond reason's production and cannot be reduced to it.
However, the faith is not opposed to scientific reasoning. The Council identified three ways through
which reason can deepen its understanding of the faith: analogy of being, connection of the mysteries of
faith, and the meaning of faith mysteries in relation to man's ultimate end.

4.) Encyclical "Fides et ratio" by Pope John Paul II:

In this encyclical, Pope John Paul II addressed the separation of faith and reason in the contemporary
age, noting its tendency towards relativism. He emphasized the interdependence of faith and reason,
likening them to two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth. The Pope
encouraged dialogue between theology and philosophy but cautioned against philosophies incompatible
with the Christian faith, such as positivism, materialism, scientism, and nihilism. The encyclical affirmed
the role of reason in recognizing God and fundamental truths about human existence, emphasizing that
faith and reason are not in conflict but mutually enriching. Faith, when aligned with right reason, does
not threaten human freedom but secures it.

The Methods of Theology

A) Arguments based on Authority(Positive Theology)

B) Philosophical Argument/Demonstration

C) Theological Deduction

D) Arguments from Fittingness

Arguments Based on Authority (Positive Theology):

Definition: This method asserts the truth of a statement based on the authority of the one affirming it,
without providing reasons for its veracity.

Purpose: It establishes truths of faith by relying on divine revelation found in Scripture, Tradition, or the
Magisterium.

Significance: While weaker in human sciences, in theology, arguments from authority carry weight due
to the authority of God, who is the ultimate source of revelation.

Example: Affirming the existence of the Trinity based on Jesus' testimony in scripture.

Explanation: This method asserts the truth of a theological statement solely based on the authority of
divine revelation, without providing further rational arguments.

Theological Reasoning:

In theology, Faith collaborates with reason to systematically explore and understand revealed truths,
their causes, relationships, and implications.To penetrate and comprehend the truths of faith in an
orderly and reasoned manner, there are three (3) different kinds of theological arguments that helps to
accomplish it. They include;

Philosophical Demonstrations Used in Theology:

Definition: Philosophical arguments are employed to demonstrate truths already contained in revelation
that also belong to the natural order.

Explanation: Philosophical arguments are employed to provide rational proofs for truths accessible to
human reason, such as God's existence and attributes, the spiritual nature and immortality of the soul,
creatio ex nihilo, freedom of the Will, the dignity of human person.

Example: Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways and Anselm of Canterbury's Cosmological argument for the
existence of God.

Three (3) Reasons/Purpose of using Phil. Dem. In Theology

 i. To show the reasons and causes of things
ii. To help believers understand the harmony between faith and reason
iii. To teach non-believers

Three (3) things to bear in mind in the use of Phil. Dem. In Theology

i. False philosophy (Marxism and Nihilism) i.e, those contrary to the faith
ii. Being aware of the limitations of philosophy
iii. Never to be confused with revealed truth

Theological Deduction:

Definition: Reason deduces further truths from revealed principles, treating them as basic or
foundational and deriving corollaries to deepen theological understanding.

Purpose: To systematically unfold and expound upon revealed truths, elucidating their implications and
interrelations.

Significance: Deepens understanding of revealed mysteries and their implications for theology and
human existence.

Examples: Deducing the general resurrection from Christ's resurrection, as illustrated by St. Paul in 1
Corinthians 15.

Teachings of Early Ecumenical Councils on the Blessed Trinity and Christological doctrines.

Fom Christ's divinity, it could be deduced that he's omnipotent, supremely just and consubstantial with
the father. Likewise, from his humanity, it is deduced that he has a rational soul with a human intellect
like ours and a free human will and passion (although without sin).

Arguments from Fittingness:

Definition: Using analogy, this method demonstrates why revealed mysteries are coherent and fitting
with what is known about God's nature and purposes.

Purpose: To explore the rational coherence and appropriateness of theological doctrines.

Significance: Aids believers in understanding the rationale behind supernatural mysteries and their
compatibility with reason.

Example: Explaining the fittingness of God becoming incarnate by considering the nature of divine love
and self-giving.

Explanation: Analogical reasoning is used to demonstrate why certain theological doctrines are
coherent and appropriate based on what is known about God's nature and purposes.

Analogical Use of Philosophical Principles in Theology:

Definition: Philosophical principles valid in the natural order are extended analogically to the
supernatural order to aid theological explanation and understanding.

Purpose: To apply general principles of reason to theological inquiries, enhancing understanding of

supernatural mysteries.

Significance: Enables theologians to explore the nature of God and theological doctrines using principles
derived from human experience.

Example: Augustine and Aquinas' use of the analogy between the procession of the second and third
persons of the Trinity and the operations of intellect and will in rational creatures.

Analogical use of Philosophical Concept in Theology:

The first Council of Nicaea used the philosophical concept "homousios" (Consubstantial), from the
Greek "Ousia" (substance) to clarify the understanding of Christ's divinity. Similarly, "hypostasis"
(person) is used to speak about the Trinity.

The Use of Analogies in Theology:

Explanation: Analogical reasoning is employed to convey theological truths in a manner understandable
to human intellect, despite their transcendence. We know God through his creatures and speak of God
in human words, but creatures fall short of revealing his fullness because He infinitely surpasses all of
them.

Example: Describing God's power using the analogy of human power, recognizing that while creatures
have limited power, God's power is infinite.

Similarly, rational creatures have limited and finite wisdom, but God is infinite wisdom.

Ecclesial Character of Theology:

Definition: Theology is profoundly connected with the Church, deriving its first principles from Scripture,
Tradition, and the Magisterium. It is an ecclesial science in three senses namely;

i. It's first principles are those of the faith of the church

ii. To aid the Church in fulfilling its mission.
iii. To build up the faith of its members through teaching and evangelization.

Significance: Ensures theological integrity and fidelity to Church teachings, guiding theologians to think
with the mind of the Church.

Academic Freedom and the Theologian:

Definition: Theologians have the freedom to inquire and explore truth, guided by the principles of
theology and adherence to Church teachings.

Purpose: To promote genuine theological inquiry while maintaining fidelity to revealed truths and the
authority of the Church.

What is Fundamental Theology?

Theology mean methodological reflection on faith in God that is witnessed, communicated and revealed
in Jesu Christ.

Therefore, Fundamental theology is a discipline which examines and presents the foundations or
principles upon which the Christian faith and reflection are based in God.
What is Apology?

Simply put, Apology is justification of the faith through the presentation of its credibility.

It is the systematic attempt to show the reasonableness of faith in order to refute the objections raised
against Christian beliefs.

Apology Ad extra, i.e, trying to defend the faith from external aggression. While Ad intra, deals with the
deepening of the faith.

New Testament Roots of Apology

The roots of Christian apologetics can be traced back to the New Testament era, where the early
Christians recognized the importance of defending and explaining their faith in rational terms that non-
believers could understand. This need for rational defense is evident in St. Peter's exhortation "to always
have your answer (apologia) ready for people who ask you the reason (logos) for the hope you have"(1
Peter 3:15). This indicates that Christian hope is not irrational, but has a reason that needs to be
articulated.

In the New Testament, Christianity faced two primary fronts: Judaism and paganism. Christianity
emerged from a Jewish context, and thus had to engage with both Jewish Christians and non-Christian
Jews. The Letter to the Hebrews, for example, addresses Judeo-Christians and emphasizes the transition
from Judaism to Christianity. The author highlights (1) the dissolution of Judaism not as destruction, but
as a new perspective. (2) presents the crucified Messiah as prophesied, and (3) demonstrates how Christ
transcends and continues the priesthood of the Old Testament.

The relationship between Christianity and Judaism is evident in various passages, such as the story of
the Transfiguration (Matthew 17) and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), which show both
continuity with and surpassing of Jewish teachings.

On the other front, Christianity also engaged with paganism, using Greek language and philosophical
concepts. The use of the Greek term "logos," especially in the writings of John the Evangelist, is
noteworthy. However, Christianity distanced itself from pagan cults, as seen in St. Paul's speech at the
Areopagus (Acts 17), where he utilized the pagan altar dedicated to an unknown god as a starting point
to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Middle Ages

During the Medieval Epoch (5th-15th centuries), Christianity permeated every aspect of social, political,
and cultural life. While paganism was no longer a dominant force, theological engagement with Judaism
and the emerging Islam became prominent. The rediscovery of Aristotelian philosophy through figures
like Maimonides and Averroes led to a scientific approach to theological disputes, prompting a
resurgence in apologetics.

Thomas Aquinas, a towering figure of the Middle Ages, epitomized this systematic-apologetic approach
with his work "Summa contra Gentiles." This period also saw the rise of university studies, which
provided a structured platform for academic endeavors. The need to justify faith in relation to other
branches of knowledge led to the development of theological epistemology, notably emphasized by
Aquinas.

Anselm of Canterbury,

a predecessor of Aquinas, exemplified the Middle Ages' apologetic endeavors through works like
"Monologion," "Proslogion," and "Cur Deus Homo."

In "Monologion," Anselm presents a proof for the existence of God based on the hierarchy of goodness,
rooted in Platonic thought.

His "Proslogion" introduces the ontological argument, asserting that the idea of God's existence is
inherent in human thought.

"Cur Deus Homo" delves into the necessity of the Incarnation to reconcile humanity with God.

Thomas Aquinas,

living in a time of intellectual confrontation with Aristotelian philosophy, integrated Aristotle's thought
into Christian doctrine while critically evaluating it. He emphasized the extrinsicistic approach to
apologetics, justifying faith through praeambula fidei (preambles of faith) rather than direct proofs of
supernatural truths. Aquinas rejected Anselm's ontological argument but presented five cosmological
arguments (quinque viae) in his "Summa Theologiae." These arguments, grounded in observations of
the natural world, seek to affirm the existence of God through principles like motion, causality,
contingency, degree, and final cause.