I just finished reading an interesting book called "Pope Joan" by Donna Woolfolk Cross. The story takes place in Europe during the ninth century. It's about a woman named Joan who throughout most of her life was disguised as a man and worked within the clergy. As a bright scholar and talented medical practitioner she was able to climb the ranks of the Roman clergy and eventually reach the top post of the Pope. The story is based on a legend which the author pointed out could have some truth but is vehemently denied by the Catholic church.
There were many interesting points about the story, but what stood out to me especially was what the author posed as a question in the afterword. One of the Joan's tutors, a priest and scholar, said that "a lack of faith leads people to fear reason." The author directly asks the reader if reason and faith are truly compatible? It's a very interesting question because at first I thought that these two things are completely separate of each other. I said to myself how can a belief in an eternal spirit or something not tangible have anything to do with logic, or learning of the physical world?
But after giving it more thought, I think that it is not what god or spirit a religion holds up but more about the code of ethics or values that make religion compatible with the physical world of reason. Many religions espouse values such as temperance, fraternity, strict adherence to scripture. These values instill a discipline within a person to avoid temptations or over-indulgences of alcohol, drugs, and other pleasures. A mind clear of these 'clouds' is more limber and can focus, solve problems, or learn abstract concepts.
Religion establishes routine. Going to church on a regular basis or even just praying everyday gives a person stability and also requires discipline. A person that allocates his or hers free time to a fixed schedule is better prepared to devote time for studying, or doing homework, or writing endless papers and lab reports. Routine better prepares a person for scholarly work.
A church, temple or mosque also gives people a forum to be social. Whenever people group together, ideas can be exchanged and debated. A proper debate is grounded in reason and can foster new ideas. Also these communities provide people with support, or gathering of friends and family. A person with support can go out and pursue their worthwhile goals whether it's academic or something else.
So my point is probably better stated as a faith does not directly tie in with reason but the values and routines involved with that particular faith can help promote it. What are your opinions about this? Can one provide a counter to this argument?
I really like this argument. While though I do believe that faith and reason are separate of each other, I believe that an individual that believes in faith guides reason according to that faith. Basically, a person's actions or interpretations of the physical world and how they reason that, are shaped to conform to their faith. I do disagree with the quote provided that "a lack of faith leads people to fear reason." This statement is true, but depends on your definition of faith. In your blog, your definition of faith was completely related to religion. While this is a standard and generalized way to view faith, I believe there is much more to the picture. You have to take into account the people who do not believe in a higher being. Are they afraid to reason because they do not have what you describe to be faith? I believe their (the people who do not believe in a higher being) faith is derived in more worldly things, or their passions, or maybe they believe in what we as humans experience on an everyday basis. But my argument is this, faith and reason are connected by which faith guides the reason and perceptions we have of our world. Do you agree? What are your thoughts?
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