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Should Faith Be Based on Reason?

The Role of Thought in Religious Faith


The assertion that many religious individuals prefer to avoid critical thinking by accepting everything "on faith" raises an important issue. This notion, voiced by a dean of a theological seminary, challenges us to examine whether faith should be anchored in reason. It's implied that numerous people who profess religious faith seldom contemplate the basis of their beliefs or assess the reasonableness of their faith. This lack of contemplation has rendered religion a topic many are hesitant to discuss openly.


Jehovah, through the scriptures, encourages a faith that is not blind but grounded in understanding. Proverbs 4:7 emphasizes the value of wisdom: "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight." This verse underlines the importance of acquiring wisdom and insight, suggesting that faith should be intertwined with reason.



Practices That Discourage Reasoning


Certain religious practices, such as the use of images and rote prayers, may discourage critical thinking. These practices, coupled with impressive architecture and captivating music, can create an emotional experience that often substitutes for genuine understanding and thoughtful engagement with religious tenets. Jesus criticized the use of meaningless repetition in prayer in Matthew 6:7: "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words."


Many churches claim their faith is based on the Bible but often reduce their message to simplistic notions such as “believe in Jesus and you will be saved,” minimizing the importance of in-depth Bible study. Others might focus on social or political messages rather than scriptural teachings. This superficial approach to Christianity has led to a widespread lack of biblical literacy, as observed by various commentators.



The Importance of Accurate Knowledge


The apostle Paul pointed out that some people in his time had a zeal for God but lacked accurate knowledge (Romans 10:2). This is comparable to a painter who works hard but uses the wrong colors because he did not listen to the owner's instructions. The painter's work, though diligent, would not be acceptable to the owner. Similarly, zeal in worship without accurate knowledge is not pleasing to God. This highlights the necessity of understanding and reasoning in faith.


Paul further elaborates on the need for knowledge in 1 Timothy 2:3-4, stating that God "wills that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." This indicates that accurate knowledge is essential for true worship and salvation.



Searching for God with Reason


The Bible assures us that seeking God with sincere effort will lead to finding Him. 1 Chronicles 28:9 states, "If you seek him, he will be found by you." This implies that God does not hide the truth from those earnestly searching for it. Faith, therefore, involves an active pursuit of knowledge and understanding, not passive acceptance.


In daily life, people often conduct thorough research before making significant decisions, such as purchasing a car. Yet, when it comes to religion, some adopt a more passive stance, relying on tradition rather than personal inquiry. This inconsistency highlights the need for a more thoughtful approach to faith.



Rational Basis for Faith


Faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This assurance and conviction are not based on blind acceptance but on a rational foundation built upon the evidence of God's works and promises. Psalm 19:1-2 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." Creation itself provides a rational basis for faith, revealing God's existence and attributes.


The Need for Continuous Study


The Bereans exemplified a noble approach to faith, as they "received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Their diligent study of the Scriptures to verify teachings highlights the importance of continuous learning and reasoning in faith. This approach prevents the superficiality that plagues much of modern Christianity.



Misconceptions about Faith and Reason


Some may argue that reason undermines faith, but true biblical faith is supported by reason. Isaiah 1:18 invites us to reason with God: "Come now, let us reason together, says Jehovah." This invitation demonstrates that God values our reasoning abilities and expects us to use them in our relationship with Him.


The Bible encourages us to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This directive implies a process of examination and discernment, which involves reasoning. Faith that cannot withstand scrutiny is not genuine faith.


The Dangers of Unreasoned Faith


Unreasoned faith can lead to error and deception. Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24 that "false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." Discernment, rooted in reason and scriptural knowledge, is essential to avoid being misled.


Moreover, unreasoned faith may fail in times of trial. The parable of the sower illustrates this, where seeds sown on rocky ground withered because they had no root (Matthew 13:20-21). A shallow, unexamined faith lacks the depth needed to endure hardships.



The Role of the Holy Spirit


The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers through the inspired Word of God. As we pray and seek God's direction, it is essential to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures to understand His will. For example, in Psalm 119:105, we read, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse emphasizes the importance of Scripture in providing guidance and clarity in our lives. Just as praying for a job requires taking action by filling out applications, seeking God's guidance through the Holy Spirit involves diligently studying His Word and applying its truths to our circumstances.


In times of uncertainty, the Holy Spirit provides guidance through God's Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." As we pray for direction, it is crucial to seek wisdom from the Scriptures and trust in God's guidance. This active engagement with God's Word helps us navigate life's uncertainties.


Understanding how we receive illumination and guidance from God is rooted in the inspired, inerrant Word of God. According to 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, the process involves more than merely acquiring a mental grasp of biblical truths; it requires embracing these truths as divinely revealed. The expressions "does not accept," "folly," and "not able to understand" highlight how unbelievers critique and reject divine revelation. This passage does not imply that unbelievers are incapable of understanding the Bible's content; rather, they view it as foolishness. Christians, however, are guided by having the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), achieved through being biblically minded. This necessitates a careful analysis of the Bible's genres, historical context, and language, employing the conservative, objective historical-grammatical method of interpretation while avoiding the speculative fallacies of modern biblical criticism.



Encouragement to Seek Knowledge


Believers are encouraged to grow in knowledge and understanding. Peter exhorts us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). This growth requires an active engagement with the Scriptures, fostering both faith and reason.

The pursuit of knowledge is also seen in the example of Solomon, who sought wisdom above all else. God honored Solomon's request, granting him unparalleled wisdom (1 Kings 3:9-12). Solomon's wisdom, documented in the book of Proverbs, emphasizes the value of understanding and discernment.


Conclusion: Embracing Faith and Reason


While a formal conclusion is not presented here, the overarching message is clear: faith should be based on reason. The Bible calls for a faith that is informed, examined, and rooted in accurate knowledge. Blind faith is not biblical faith. God invites us to reason with Him, to seek understanding, and to grow in knowledge. This approach ensures that our faith is robust, genuine, and pleasing to Jehovah. By embracing both faith and reason, believers can develop a deeper, more resilient relationship with God.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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