Date of Award
5-1961
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Seminary
Abstract
Christian theology has always embodied the ideas of faith and reason as basic principles in the concept of Christian redemption. Likewise, human experience daily embraces, revolves around, and finds integration through faith and reason.
The relationship of faith and reason has been much less distinct. Throughout the Christian era a great difference of opinion has existed especially on the relationship of the two ideas in redemption. Usually this difference is held consequent to some particular views of the nature of man. Thus, for example, faith and reason are set in direct contrast to each other. One may be good while the other is very bad. Or, one is an asset toward salvation while the other is a hindrance.
In answer to this conflict some have proposed a pure faith or a pure reason. But either is non-moral and totally inconsistent with both the nature of God and man. Mysticism is the natural result of an antiintellectual tendency. Rationalism is the ultimate in depreciating faith. Mysticism and rationalism, however, are only terms describing philosophical and theological positions. In actual practice faith and reason can never be divorced.
Recommended Citation
Haas, Vernon H., "Wesley's Thought on Faith and Reason in Christian Redemption" (1961). Western Evangelical Seminary Theses. 117.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/wes_theses/117