Monday’s thoughts
Let’s admit there is a lot in religion that is mindless. There is much that doesn’t seem to make sense, and no amount of reworking can make it work in a logical way.
Thomas Aquinas said, “Faith transcends reason”. He also said, “To say faith transcends reason is not to say faith is unreasonable.”
Sunday I want to work with reason as a resource for our faith. The Quadrilateral we lift up as important to us as United Methodists includes reason along with scripture, tradition, and experience. Reason is a resource for our faith. We don’t have to check our brains at the door of the church when we enter.
What is reasonable about resurrection? What is reasonable about incarnation? What is reasonable about the “divinity of Jesus”? What is reasonable about the miracle stories? What is reasonable about some of the basic aspects of our faith?
Is it reasonable to think of God in the form of a human being? Is it reasonable to ponder such “truths” as “the first shall be last” or “the servant shall be the master” or “the meek shall inherit the earth”? Is it reasonable to think that it’s a good idea to turn the other cheek when offended?
What is reasonable about the Christian faith? Is it reasonable to apply reason to religion? I think it is and Sunday, September 23rd I will try to explore it.
I would appreciate help with this. If you have insight on the subject of religion and reason write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to allow your thought to be shared click on the ‘comments’ box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
