Can faith and reason have a beneficial relationship? Does one always have to master the other?

This is a Discussion Questions I wrote for my class. Feel free to contribute and I would also love to hear other responses to the question (not necessary to me)...well I am just going to post this anyway,

DQ: Can faith and reason have a beneficial relationship? Does one always have to master the other?


Faith and reason, I believe, comes hand in hand and they do share in a beneficial relationship. It is undeniable that all human being, without any birth or genetic defect, are able to reason. Even with those who are developmentally challenged, they can reason to a certain extent. Thus, reason itself is innate in human being and in itself the potential to enhance our ability to understand creation, its laws and physics, and the attributes of the creator. The other side of the argument usually claims that reason under the influence of sin can lead one, if not closer to God, away from faith because after all isn't faith blind trust? Before we discuss the nature of faith, I want to suggest that reason in itself is neutral. It is our intentions behind employing our reasoning skills that determines whether reason is harmful or beneficial to the faith. For instance, money can be used for buying food or feeding the poor, but it can also be used for exploitation. As for faith, the definition usually quoted is from Hebrews Chapter 11: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." I believe that this definition of faith and this verse is often taken out of context. I have heard many interpretations that simply suggest that one should not think about their faith but believe. That works! However, another question arises, why then does the rest of chapter 11 of Hebrews go through the hall of faith? It seems the writer is communicating that it is reasonable to put one's hope in a God who works powerfully in the lives of so many individuals. If you have already seen a living and active God at work, isn't it a good idea to put your faith in Him so that His works can be manifested in you? Wouldn't it be unwise to go against him? Therefore, the use of our mind, our reason, can help us in worshiping God and establish greater trust in him.


On the issue of whether one (faith or reason) always have to master the other, I would tend to lean on the side that faith is perhaps more important than reason. It is definitely possible to be obedient and love God without a high intellectual capacity. The gospel is highly relational and so simple that a child can understand. Thus, you do not need to be a master in reason to worship God. However, on a similar note, I also don’t think that faith is something that can be mastered. Is not Jesus the author and perfector of our faith? I believe to tie everything together, faith and reason can both be seen as gifts from God. We should therefore be careful and good stewards with them and not be so proud to think that we can be masters of them or can be master in them. Our calling is sure, to walk humbly before God and love him with our whole being (love, soul, mind and strength).