Fr. Gregory Pine, OP, discusses the rationality of belief in God by exploring faith, doubt, knowledge, and trust. He emphasizes the role of reason in evaluating testimonies and the significance of faith in human flourishing. The chapter delves into the Thomistic perspective on the existence of God and creation ex nihilo.
Faith and reason complement each other, leading to a holistic pursuit of truth.
Objects can be understood from different perspectives, allowing for diverse studies and sciences.
Trust in testimonies and reason are essential for a rational belief in God.
Deep dives
Faith and Reason's Harmonious Coexistence
Faith and reason are not conflicting forces but two interlinked wings that elevate the human spirit toward truth. This episode delves into the misconception of their opposition, attributing it to methodological misinterpretation. The discussion centers on the rationality of faith in God, emphasizing the compatibility of reason within natural and supernatural faith contexts.
Understanding Different Aspects of Formal Objects
Formal objects are examined through various lenses, illustrating how the mind perceives the same entity under diverse aspects. Drawing from St. Thomas' textual analysis, the episode explores the conceptualization of objects from biological, geometrical, and metaphysical perspectives, showcasing how abstraction allows for distinct studies and sciences.
Reason's Role in Uncovering the Object of Study
Through St. Thomas' insights, the exploration delves into material and formal objects, shedding light on the distinct features of the metaphysical and material realms. Reason is elucidated as the guiding force that unveils the object of study, distinguishing between the tangible material object and the abstract formal object.
Comprehending Faith as Knowledge from Testimony
Faith is illuminated as a unique form of knowledge derived from testimony, distinct from empirical verification. The narrative delves into the reasonability of natural faith, underscoring the significance of trusting in testimonies to navigate uncertainties and enhance human flourishing.
Reasoning Towards the Rationality of Faith in God
The episode culminates in St. Thomas' philosophical reasoning for the rationality of believing in God. By exploring the causal necessity of a divine ground, the harmonious coexistence of faith and reason is underlined, reflecting on how reason can affirm the existence of God through metaphysical inquiry.
This lecture was given at the University of Oklahoma on 23 October 2019.
Fr. Gregory Pine, OP serves presently as the Assistant Director for Campus Outreach with the Thomistic Institute in Washington, DC. He served previously as an associate pastor at St. Louis Bertrand Church in Louisville, KY where he also taught as an adjunct professor at Bellarmine University. Born and raised near Philadelphia, PA, he attended the Franciscan University of Steubenville, studying mathematics and humanities. Upon graduating, he entered the Order of Preachers in 2010. He was ordained a priest in 2016 and holds an STL from the Dominican House of Studies.
For more information on this and other events go to thomisticinstitute.org/events-1
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode