The Paradox of Faith and Reason

Throughout history theologians have preached two opposing doctrines simultaneously; faith on the one hand and reason on the other. Generally it is thought that this paradox is due to the inadequacy of reason alone to demonstrate the validity of dogma and the unworthiness of faith alone to cause rational beings to accept dogma, resulting in the collaboration of the two. However, faith is generally stressed on as the ultimate foundation of belief, while reason seems to be the business of the faithful, which indicates that the relationship between the two is more complex. Indeed, although theologians have always spoken of arguments and logic faith is still the word connoting belief in God. If the foundation of belief is indeed faith, then one wonders what the place of reason is.

Maimonides rules that to doubt God’s existence, even momentarily is an act of heresy. This leaves us wondering why it was that Maimonides occupied himself with demonstrating God’s existence using logical arguments, for surely Maimonides at the time of his inquiries didn't consider himself a heretic. Evidently then, he had already concluded that God exists. Why then, seek to prove God at all?

Further, Maimonides lists as a commandment belief in God. His contemporaries have attacked Maimonides on this that this is superfluous, for in order that a commandment have any meaning to someone he must already accept the commander as existent. One of the suggestions offered by Maimonides’ defenders is that Maimonides indicates that the commandment isn’t merely to believe, but rather to rationally prove one’s beliefs. This as well indicates that to Maimonides arguing for God’s existence is something to be done even after a conviction that God exists.

To understand this we must first familiarize ourselves with the general theme of Maimonides’ philosophy. The fundamental concept Maimonides stresses on is the incorporeal nature of God and the awareness that God can never be understood by material beings. As per this philosophy Maimonides puts the central focus of Judaism on the mind as opposed to physical actions for to Maimonides the physical bears no relation to the divine and the only possible way of attempting connection with the divine is through the mind. Thus reason becomes a central tool to connect with the divine. Arguments for God’s existence become a religious experience, a ritual of connection with the mystical.

In different extents this is apparent in various theological philosophies. The theologian is willing to reason upon his beliefs but only to an extent, and only when he stands with nothing to lose. This attitude seems quite unworthy of scholars. However, theists aren’t validating their beliefs, this they do on faith; rather they are associating in a ritual of logic. The only way one can connect with the divine is through reason, for the divine cannot be seen nor imagined; only the demonstration of the necessity of a first cause can be attained.