Expert: Brenda Martin - 2/16/2006

Question
Dear Brenda,
I see Faith as the only option when reason becomes limited. Some people say that religious beliefs can be neither satisfied nor refuted by reason. Sometimes this claim is used to reject different religious beliefs but other times it is used to conclude that this beliefs are established by faith. In you opinion, to what extent is faith a legitimate basis for knowledge claims in religion and other areas of knowledge?
Any help is appretiated
Thank you in advance,
Jonny

Answer
"FAITH A LEGITIMATE BASIS FOR KNOWLEDGE?"

KENNETH TANAKA, a scientist, had this to say--

“As a scientist, I have no taste for credulity. But I have deep respect for well-founded faith. Such reliable faith is defined at Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.”

Trust in God's promises is founded on established proof that the Bible is inspired by God. I saw the need to avoid common but baseless religious doctrines that contradict the Scriptures. These include the teachings of an immortal soul, hellfire, the Trinity, and others. Many such erroneous doctrines arose from ancient philosophy and mythology or from poor Bible scholarship. Adherence to false teachings has led to the ‘blind faith' practiced by most religionists today, which has caused many scientists to have little regard for religion.

One of my primary responsibilities as a scientist has been to define, defend, and disseminate my research findings. Similarly, I felt compelled to teach Bible truth to others, as no other knowledge could be of greater importance

I have come to appreciate that true meaning in life comes with accurate knowledge of God and his purpose for mankind, which is the real sense of Jesus' words-- “The truth shall make you free.”—John 8:32, “

Now Im sure you will agree his "reason was not limited" he used his powers of reasoning to come to the conclusion he did.

As for myself as one of Jehovah's Witnesses,this is how I feel regarding knowledge and faith—

“The faith of those who become Jehovah's Witnesses is not credulity,”  Genuine faith is not blind. It is based on realities. Hebrews 11:1 “If we are truly going to walk by faith, we need faith that is well-founded.”

The simple truth is that God “created all things, and because of [his] will they existed and were created.” Jesus Christ himself said to the Pharisees: “Did you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female?” Jesus knew the Creator! As Jehovah's Master Worker, he had been alongside Him during creation.—Matthew 19:4; Proverbs 8:22-31.

However, it requires faith and humility to perceive and accept this basic truth about the Creator. This faith is not blind credulity. It is based on tangible, visible evidence. Yes, “[God's] invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world's creation onward.”—Romans 1:20.

As can be seen from this definition given in the Bible, faith is based on accurate knowledge and facts; otherwise, there would be no difference between faith and blind superstition.

The Bible appeals to our powers of reason. It does not demand blind faith or credulity.

I hope this has answered your question, if not please feel free to ask more.

All the best
Brenda