What is a Christian view of reason?

Answer

Often, both Christians and skeptics assume that Christianity has little to do with reason and relies solely on faith, often referred to as “blind faith” or “faith without evidence.” They concur with Benjamin Franklin, who said, “The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason” (Poor Richard’s Almanack, Peter Pauper Press, 1987, p. 16). Christians who hold a negative view of reason may see it as useful in other aspects of life but as introducing an element of doubt in Christianity.

Atheists and other irreligious individuals often depict believers as wishful thinkers and self-deluded individuals to whom reason is dispensable. However, Scripture contradicts the notion that Christianity rejects reason.

Reasoning involves evaluating facts, making judgments, justifying choices with evidence, and attempting to persuade with solid arguments. The Christian worldview provides a strong foundation for reasoning, especially considering the immaterial, immutable, and transcendent nature of the laws of logic that underlie all forms of thinking. These laws are beyond human convention; they are discovered rather than invented. In a world without God, it would be challenging to explain how these laws of logic originated. However, the Christian perspective offers an explanation: the laws of logic “are simply a reflection of the thoughts and logical character of God, and as such, they reveal His logical, perfect nature” (Wallace, J: W:, “Is God Real? Are the Laws of Logic Simply Human Conventions?” 1/16/19;https://coldcasechristianity:com/writings/is-god-real-ar

e-the-laws-of-logic-simply-human-conventions, accessed 9/18/23; see 2 Timothy 2:13; Numbers 23:19; James 1:17; Romans 1:20).

Furthermore, Scripture is filled with examples of individuals, including God, making sound judgments and reasoning with others. Abraham, when facing the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, pleaded with the Lord to spare the towns if righteous people lived there (Genesis 18:16-33). Moses reasoned with God in Exodus 32:9–14, while God Himself invited the Israelites to engage in reasoning with Him “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”, (Isaiah 1:18). Jesus participated in logical discussions during His time on earth, and His teachings astonished His listeners (Matthew 7:28-29; Mark 1:21-22; Luke 4:31-32). Paul, arguably the first Christian apologist, dedicated much time to reasoning with people (see Acts 17:2-4, 16-34; 19:8-10). As Christians, we are called to have a valid rationale for our hope “but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”, (1 Peter 3:15).

Biblical faith is not in conflict with reason. In fact, Christian thinkers like Thomas Aquinas and Francis Schaeffer have left behind a legacy of writings that reconcile faith and reason. The notion that faith and reason are contradictory stems from a flawed understanding of faith. Faith, as depicted in Scripture, is not belief without evidence; it is a confident trust that arises from conviction. People

Those who have faith are convinced by evidence. For instance, the resurrected Christ “gave many convincing proofs that he was alive” «to whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: », (Acts 1:3), and people believed. The Greek term for “faith,” pistis, is linked to the verb peitho, which means “to be persuaded.” Faith in Christ is a conviction that He is real and His Word is true. There are valid reasons behind this faith.

While we harmonize faith and reason, we should be cautious about placing excessive emphasis on reason and logic. First Corinthians 1:18–25 states that the gospel may seem foolish to those who depend solely on human reasoning, as God’s wisdom exceeds ours. Human logic is limited and represents only one facet of our existence. It is indeed unreasonable to assume that we can comprehend everything, particularly when it pertains to God and His ways (Deuteronomy 29:29;Isaiah 55:8-9;Romans 11:33-34;Ecclesiastes 3:11). Instead of relying on our own understanding, we are to trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Reason is one of the many tools God employs to draw people to Himself. Reason assists us in navigating the world, but it makes a terrible idol.