FAITH AND REASON

FAITH AND REASON

Stes de Necker

A reasonable faith

It seems that the most rewarding form of intellect is when faith and reason are both fully part of our intellectual lives. It is not only rewarding in the sense that we can experience the joy of practical faith in the framework of intellectual integrity, but also in the sense that we can be successful in our desires to make a difference in the lives of others.

Although we understand that all human knowledge is partial and temporary, we also know that people's intellect require convincing them of the trustworthiness of anything we say.

Reason and intuition (faith is intuitive trust) are not disconnected faculties - they are interconnected in a fundamental way, so that their development and integration into a balanced harmony forms part of the process of intellectual growth.

The ‘interconnectiveness’ of reason and intuition is clearly manifested in our religious life - our rational arguments about God are grounded in the intuitive trust in God's supernatural revelation in Scripture and in Jesus Christ, whereas our intuitive experience of God is grounded in our rational notions about God's existence and His workings in humans.

It is only when both the intellect and the inner intuitive experience of God are synthesized, that the ideal of the Christian who is both "wise" and "spiritual" can be realized.

The desire to make a difference, the passion to be useful to society, should be present if we want to grow towards intellectuality - this brings value and meaning to our lives. In each of us this passion manifests itself in a different vocation, leading us along different routes. The details of the route to intellectual maturity differs for everyone - no two persons follow the same route. It is a life long journey, which is never fully accomplished. 

There could be times when the apparent conflict between faith and reason will lead one into the dark valley of doubt. It is important, however, to keep the practical experience of reason and intuition alive. It implies that one should keep searching - even when one feels no desire to do so. This kindles the flame of inquisitiveness.

With intellectual growth comes freedom from all the many rules and regulations of legalistic faith. As we develop our own perspectives and opinions, the potential for conflict with long-held communal views will force us to involve others in our own process of growth - some will resist our views, but others will accompany us on the way.

With time each one of us should develop into an “Intellectually-wise” persons who can contribute, in a unique and special way, to the growth and development of the community where we are active.

In this way we would follow in the footsteps of many others whose lives and wisdom had an impact on our own.