Faith without religion.
Integrating Reason and Faith in Our Spiritual Journey
In our recent broadcast, we explored the philosophical tension between two significant perspectives: the Athenian emphasis on reason and the Jerusalem focus on faith. This discussion was inspired by the historical context of a challenge I faced regarding my views on Creedal Trinitarianism, which led to a deeper examination of how we approach ministry and our understanding of faith.
We began by acknowledging the importance of studying the original Greek texts of the Bible, not just for linguistic clarity but also for cultural insight. However, we also recognized the limitations of a purely Athenian approach, which can lead to an over-reliance on human reasoning at the expense of faith. Conversely, many biblical literalists adopt a Jerusalem-centric view, interpreting scripture as directly applicable to contemporary life without considering the historical and cultural context.
Søren Kierkegaard, a pivotal figure in Christian philosophy, critiqued the extremes of both Athens and Jerusalem. He rejected the Hegelian dialectic, which posits that truth emerges from the conflict of opposing ideas (thesis and antithesis). Instead, Kierkegaard argued for a clear choice between the aesthetic life, driven by pleasure and reason, and the ethical life, grounded in moral righteousness and faith. He believed that individuals must confront the existential reality of making a choice without any prescriptive criteria, leading to what he termed “criterionless choice.”
Kierkegaard’s insights reveal the struggle between pursuing aesthetic pleasures and adhering to ethical principles. He posited that boredom drives the aesthetic life, leading individuals to seek distractions rather than meaningful existence. His call to choose the ethical life emphasizes a commitment to God’s law, independent of personal gain or pleasure.
While I resonate with Kierkegaard’s emphasis on the necessity of faith, I diverge from his strict separation of faith and reason. I believe that faith can coexist with reason, as God invites us to engage our minds in our spiritual journey. This perspective aligns with biblical teachings, such as Isaiah 1:18, which encourages reasoning together with God.
Ultimately, the journey of faith may begin with a choice between Athens and Jerusalem, but it can evolve into a more integrated approach that embraces both reason and faith. As we navigate our spiritual paths, we are called to engage with God intellectually and emotionally, allowing our understanding of His laws to shape our lives in a holistic manner.