The Thomistic Institute Is Faith Irrational: Aquinas on the Rationality of Belief | Fr. Dominic Legge, OP
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Sep 19, 2016 
Fr. Dominic Legge, OP, expert in Aquinas theology, discusses the rationality of faith in Christianity. Distinguishing belief systems like David Koresh, they argue that faith in Christianity is rational. Examining skepticism and fideism, they explore historical influences and Aquinas' rational approach to faith, clarifying the relationship between faith, reason, and church teachings.
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Faith Is Rationally Defensible
- Faith is not a blind leap but a rational act that can be defended and distinguished from cult-like beliefs.
- Aquinas argues Christian faith is qualitatively different and worthy of belief because it coheres with reason and evidence.
Hale-Bopp Cult Example
- Fr. Dominic recounts Marshall Applewhite's Hale-Bopp cult to show unreasonable religious trust can lead to catastrophe.
- He uses the example to contrast irrational cult belief with reasonable Christian faith.
Avoid Dual Extremes On Faith
- Three mistaken positions confuse modern debate: skepticism, fideism, and subjective faith.
- Aquinas rejects both extremes and insists faith and reason are compatible and mutually illuminating.