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MONDAY THOUGHT 4/27/09

Faith & Reason
 
I have friends who think that I have had to throw away my common sense and rational faculties to embrace my faith, that faith and intelligence are mutually exclusive. 
 
Wrong!  I for one do not believe in things that do not make sense.  This does not mean that I have to understand everything or have all the answers … just as I do not need to know how my smarter-than-me computer and even cell phone work.  It means that I have reason to believe in God.  That was/is my starting point.  From there, I have tried to open my heart to grace and my mind to reading and studying … and reason.
 
My point:  I believe that faith embraces both the freebie gift of grace (aka unearned blessings) and the results of intellectual study, reading and discussion; both kumbaya, tear-filled experiences and Eureka moments of discovery built on rational study and thinking.  Cherish this day and celebrate the many and blessed routes to faith. — jri
 
“Religious faith is not blind.  It is not irrational.
It is about trusting and loving someone we
have come to know.  It you haven’t come to
know Jesus personally and as a providential
God — one who is on our side — it is
irrational to put your trust in him.”
    –    Father Jonathan Morris
           (The Promise)
 
Not sure what you think about God?  Try this:  (1) Discipline your mind to read about Him just 30 minutes each day; and (2) open your heart and mind to the truth of the message of Christ’s love.  
John R. Ingrisano