Book Reviews

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REASONING FAITH


The following is an excerpt from my recent publication Reasoning Faith, available from E-Book Time in both print and electronic format. In graphic terms, it represents the conviction that faith less resembles a leap in the dark than pressing toward the light.
The knife edge. Our faith/reason dichotomy recalls when making my way to the plateau of Mount Katahdin, located at the northen end of the Appalachian Trail. From there one can observe a narrow ridge with steep slopes on either side, aptly described as the knife edge. It was to be negotiated with great care, since one could easily tumble down either of its slopes.
Some focus on reason to the virtual exclusion of faith, or vice versa. While backing off from one slope, slipping down the other. Whereas a reasoning faith attempts to steer a straight course between the two hazardous extremes.
To further complicate the matter, reason is composed of two features: both an objective and subjective component. So while scientific research is devoted to empirical observation, this is perceived and appropriated by humans. Initially, in the process of selection. Subsequently, with interpretation. Finally, with application.
On the other hand, faith embraces some likely scenario. One that considers the purpose for which life may exist. Then, too, the means by which we may reach our human potential. Minimally as a social catalyst; and depending on one’s definition (of religion), often or always in a religious context. Along with the realization that we all believe something.
Consequently, reason void of faith is severely restricted. While faith void of reason amounts to credulity. Such is the nature of the dilemma that faces us. While giving rise to the appeal for a reasoning faith. This calls for a rigorous pursuit for truth, or as previously expressed, pressing toward the light.
Providence. “The origin of life remains one of the great scientific mysteries. The central conundrum is the threshold problem. Only when organic molecules achieve a certain very high level of complexity can they be considered as ‘living,’ in that they encode a huge amount of information in a stable form and not only display the capability of storing the blueprint for replication but also the means” (Paul Davies, God & the New Physics, pp. 212-213).
The threshold problem is intensified with the proliferation of life in its varied forms. Its complexity is astonishing. So while evolution within species can be readily demonstrated, the origin of the species remain a matter of debate.
Then there is what we have touched on concerning the mystery of the ordinary. By way of illustration, “As you read this sentence, particles of light energy are being absorbed by the receptor cells of your eyes, converted into neural signals that activate neighboring cells, which process the information for their layer of cells, which converge to form a nerve tract that transmits a million electrochemical messages per moment up to the brain” (David Myers, “The Mystery of the Ordinary,” Psychology of Religion, Newton, ed., p. 409).
The complex nature of social development is no less amazing. It is cultivated early in the family setting. Later on, in our educational institutions. More informally, in the routine of life. More specifically, in connection with one’s vocational activities. Thus allowing for the sharing of information, and building enduring relationships. It is as if an extension of fortuitous circumstances.
Religious intuition. “We live in a world that, in spite of appearances, is still fundamentally religious” (Davies, op. cit., p. 3). Or as some protest, a world that is incurably religious. In spite of a concerted effort to eradicate all vestiges of religious devotion.
This brings to mind the resiliency of belief in the High God, thought to be so pervasive among traditional peoples as to be virtually without exception. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts,” the Lord declares (Isa. 55:9). As for the latter, not simply because of our finite character, but in that our perspective is inhibited by an evil inclination.
It is not uncommon in the traditions to portray God as having earlier dwelt among men. The reason for retreat is variously explained. Along with the common anticipation that he will return at some point. So that humans are not utterly forsaken.
The traditions predictably refer to the Supreme Being as being before all things, and bringing them into existence. The prime analogy being that of the potter, but allowing for other options. Then to sustain creation, and the benefits it allows.
Nevertheless, this religious inclination is assuredly plagued by idolatry. Which amounts to self-worship, regardless of the form it takes. Soliciting the complaint, “Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made. So man will be brought low and mankind humble” (Isa. 2:8-9). Whereas he is elevated in the worship of the Living Lord.
Salvation history. This consists of a series of divine initiatives meant to reveal God’s righteous ways, and incite persons to repentance and faith. Initially, there were the patriarchs. While persons of faith, they were not always faithful It is for this reason that we find it easy to identify with them.
Then there were the prophets. It was their monumental task to fine-tune the chosen people to their covenant obligations. “Thus God says or declares” was the signature expression of the prophet. Forth-telling was their calling. Conversely, foretelling was only on occasion an added feature. Even then, it was as a rule tied to the events then transpiring.
Then there were the apostles. Not alone, but as Jesus’ appointed emissaries. In this capacity, to recall his teaching, the critical components of his life, and the promise of things to come. Thus we read that the early fellowship of believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching,” and to such matters as evolved from it (Acts 2:42).
(In terms of salvation history, some persons still live in the time of the patriarchs, having failed to keep abreast with the times. While others are still associated with the prophets, as if they constituted the most recent divine initiative. Still others have managed to embrace the most recent of the divine initiatives with the teaching of the apostles. Or so it seems from the perspective of an example of reasoning faith.)

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