Faith and Reason
February 05, 2007 | Comments: 3Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.
~ Augustine
Comments
It goes both ways in human experience. I do think that Augustine describes the foundation and spirit of our search for God and truth. Common experience would suggest that the pursuit of understanding has been fruitful spiritual discipline for many. In such pursuits, God may be pleased to grant faith and its increase. Would you say that faith is the seed of all knowledge? I would hesitate to say so. Augustine preceded most of the formal discussion about cause and effect and on other topics, he shows himself to have a pre-modern view of chronology. Certainly he is correct as he suggests that understanding becomes focused and thus clearest by faith. nathan.
Nathan on February 14, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Yes, I agree it goes both ways in human experience, but faith is foundational. I don’t necessarily take Augustine’s statement as an epistemological axiom to be universally applied, but rather as something to be understood within the context of his writing on the knowledge of God, very much along the lines of our Lord’s words in John 7.17. Understanding comes to those who are connected by faith to Him who is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. The Spirit is sent to lead those who believe into all truth. I would say that the unbeliever can know facts in God’s universe, but without faith they are disjointed and disconnected facts, understood apart from their true context, which is that which gives them real meaning.
Andrew on February 14, 2007 at 10:30 AM
well said and I believe that you have rightly explained Augustine. The quote is a fine one! It in no way shuts down my personal desire and pursuit of knowledge but rather builds my faith and understanding. -see you at lunch today! nathan.
Nathan on February 14, 2007 at 10:34 AM
