Can faith and reason co-exist?

Question

I once read that Luther stated that faith and reason cannot exist. Of course Catholic theology is rooted deeply in reason as is the Eastern Church. I am a Protestant but I've become fully convinced by the Greek Fathers (the philosophers not the patriarchs) that reason is essential to a good, Biblical life in Christ. So, please tell me if reason can co-exist with faith and what denomination you're coming from.

Answer 1

I don't think that Protestantism is a moral wasteland of though and reason as you have indicated. Looking at certain Protestant theologies, things like the heavy reliance on Apologetics and the concept of “decision theology” show that Protestants believe that faith and reason are compatible. Although I do not prescribe to “decision theology,” I wouldn’t discount Apologetics as a bad activity to engage in with believers and non believers. I would just point out that faith does not come by arguing, reasoning or being convinced. Martin Luther, being of the Reformation tradition, followed John and Paul's words in John 20:31 and Romans 10:17.

Can you provide proof that Martin Luther "de-Hellenize" Christianity? Although Martin Luther would have studied Greek thought, he was not a contemporary of Greek philosophers like the Apostles Paul and John. I would also like to point out that the New Testament of the Bible was written in Koine Greek (the street Greek) and not Attic Greek (classical Greek). Martin Luther was also quoted as saying at the Diet of Worms, "Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen." Notice his use of "Plain Reason."

Answer 2

I've been raised Catholic.

I believe that faith and reason must co-exist, for faith to have any real meaning to people. Of course, there may be some matters (e.g., whether we have to believe that Mary was a virgin throughout her life) that cannot be proven through reason -- and some would say we have to accept as matters of faith.

But I think those matters are the exception. In general, I don't think faith should ever directly contradict reason. On the other hand, reason should accept its limitations and understand that there are some matters (e.g., why there is existence at all rather than nothingness) that it cannot answer.

Answer 3

The only reason you will Fly over the Atlantic with an airplane its because you have faith that the pilot is experienced.
Faith and reason goes together; you just don't wake up one morning and believe in a God you always doubted, exists; you must have a reason to do this. Anyone who says they believe in God but has no reason is sick in the head.

Answer 4

Of course reason and faith can co-exist, but we should not rely on our own reasoning over what God tells us is true. Our reason is limited as is our perspective. "For now we see through a glass."

I attend a non-denominational church, but I grew up in a Baptist Church. Sometimes Baptists try to rely too much on their own knowledge and intellect and in so doing discount the miraculous, but I would generally say that they believe in both faith and reason.

Answer 5

A man cannot acquiesce to the truth of the Gospel apart from the enabling of the Holy Spirit. But, a man cannot acquiesce to that which he either does not know or believe to be true. It is thus an illegitimate separation of faith into either a "mind or heart," "faith or reason" dichotomy.

Biblically understood, faith and reason are intimately, completely and inseparably involved in one another.

And I come from a Christian (Reformed) point of view.

Answer 6

The problem is that humans must reason and think so much into things to find the biggest picture that they miss all the beautiful, small, simple things in between. This is why Jesus said we must become like little children; instead of questioning God and everything he made, just trust in him. He is alot smarter than you and I, ya know...

Answer 7

Faith is nothing but conditioning!

What people term as their faith is the ideas that were conditioned into their way of thinking by their parents or church leaders!

Reason is not conditioned but it comes from one examining the evidance available! The way to examine evidance is to look at the facts and not interject things to which the evidance does not support! IE the idea of God! There is NO EVIDANCE to support this idea so reason dictates THERE IS NO GOD!

Answer 8

They can co exist like the opposite poles of a magnet.
They are part of the answer but never agree to one .

Answer 9

First comes faith then comes understanding, and reason.
Without first accepting Jesus Christ's message by faith you will absolutely never understand it.

Answer 10

Catholic theology is based in reason?

You are joking, right?

Hold on, its not April fool's day yet!

No seriously, you ARE joking, right?

Faith is in NO WAY based on fact, reason or logic. Faith, by its very nature is believing in something WITHOUT a single thread of reason, logic or fact.