Rational Theology: Faith, Reason, and Knowledge

The first step is understanding substance as composed of a single body (matter) and soul (form). The soul cannot know the intelligible in itself, but knows things intellectually through sensation. There are two types of knowledge: sensible and intellectual. Sensible knowledge is the collection of aspects of knowledge in things through the senses, being converted into sensible form. Intellectual knowledge is the knowledge as the thing itself is present in the soul as an intelligible form. This is possible through understanding patient and agent. The agent produces the intellectual form through the sensitive. This is called abstraction: the act of taking the sensible form and converting it into an intelligible form. This goes to understanding intellectually converted into a universal concept patient.

The soul not only knows intellectually, but also knows through a superior light, thanks to faith. This is revealed theology. St. Thomas Aquinas distinguishes rational truths that are the subject of philosophy (reason) from the object of revealed theology (faith). Truths such as God exists can be rationally demonstrated, thus philosophy is turned into a philosophical theology that serves as an introduction to revealed theology. Revealed theology deals with truths such as God died and rose again, truths that are not known nor demonstrated by human reason, but can be believed, the object of faith. The difference between them lies not in theology but in the object seen from the point of view that is addressed to the object. St. Thomas Aquinas holds that they are compatible.

Different Kinds of Knowledge

There are different kinds of knowledge as a source of reason: natural knowledge and supernatural faith. As to the object, reason deals with universal concepts and revelation deals with the mysteries of faith.

Common Truths

There are common truths of faith and reason, preambles of faith such as the existence of God, which means that reason alone can arrive at some revealed truths of knowledge.

Harmony Between Faith and Reason

Faith and reason are not opposing, but have full harmony and mutual aid, since they come from God. The truth is unique, therefore possible contradictions are only apparent, not real.

Mutual Aid

Philosophy helps theology to build a science, and theology helps reason by contributing revealed truths, serving as an extrinsic criterion. Faith goes beyond reason, and the knowledge it provides is superior.

Autonomy

Reason has a relative autonomy that can function within certain limits, but cannot exceed the revelation that it needs. This leaves open the possibility, however reluctantly, of full recognition of reason. In the 14th century, William of Ockham held that there are two different truths: reason and faith. This starts a shy mentality that changes, culminating in the scientific revolution, particularly with Descartes.