Evidentialist Arguement - Essay Example

Evidentialist Argument Thesis It would not be a mistake to suggest that faith plays a considerably important role in the life of humanity. In spite of the fact that some people deny existence of God, the fact that they object to faith shows that they take the latter into account. So, one is able to assume that there are two approaches which are classified as evidentialism and non evidentialism which hold completely different grounds when it comes to adopting faith. The former puts emphasis on objective evidence, while the latter focuses on inner experience. This paper will argue that faith is a matter that is heavily influenced by the personal world and might rely on revelation is evidence for its validity. Argument In order to support the above thesis, it may be suitable to engage the views of St. Thomas Aquinas. To begin with, one should quote his famous expression: “whatever is in our intellect must have previously been in the senses” (Aquinas). It is quite obvious that his position may be viewed as non evidentialist since, as can be easily understood from this quote, he acknowledges the experience which was obtained by a person individual may be regarded as a substantial basis for building the concept of faith. Indeed, the latter may be extremely intimate notion that contributes to the formation of individuality. That is why it would not be rational to state that one should base it on some concrete evidence. In addition to that, such approach towards faith reflects its peculiarity and shows its uniqueness if compared to other areas of human activity. Another point that is advocated by St. Thomas Aquinas is the role of the Bible as a reliable foundation of faith. According to him, the revelation that is manifested in this text is a key to obtaining faith if it is seen through the prism of one’s heart (Hindson 65). There is no doubt that for St. Thomas Aquinas as well as other believers reading the Bible was extremely powerful experience which contributed to their formation as a religious person. This means that if a person is moved by this particular text than one does not need to find any other evidence of one’s faith, but refer to the impact of the revelation is a solid ground for it. Objections Speaking of the objections that can be made with regard to the position which was articulated above, one should utilize views which were expressed by W. K. Clifford. First of all, it must be noted that this person was a strong proponent of evidentialism and argued that “it is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence” (Clifford). This means that the amount of evidence that a person is able to collect objectively should be viewed as the only reliable way to test one’s faith. Keeping this mind, one would make no mistake, assuming that the majority of the believers will not be able to pass this test as their faith is not based on objective evidence. The next point that Clifford makes focuses on the issues of authority and the way it is able to influence one’s beliefs. He suggests that “[sacred tradition of humanity] consists, not in propositions or statements which are to be accepted and believed on the authority of the tradition, but in questions rightly asked” (Clifford). Indeed, the very process of conversion heavily relies on various authorities of the religion that is being promoted. For example, Christianity features numerous saints who used to be gentiles, but later accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, such as Paul the Apostle. However, Clifford would argue that it is incorrect to appeal the image of Paul since it deprives a person from a conscious choice. Finally, in his views on the significant role of evidence as support of one’s set of religious beliefs, Clifford argues the following: “we must rest in our experience, and not go beyond it at all” (Clifford). In spite of the fact that this might be seen as a certain limit that is placed on life of a person, such approach allows one to be sure that every principle that one adheres to does not feature any flaws. Indeed, if a person lives in a world where everything can be easily verified then one would not have any problems as doubting the fundamentals of it. Nevertheless, many aspects of the world of believers can hardly be verified; that is why, it would be logical to ask legitimate questions about it. Responses The position that is advocated by Clifford seems logical; however, one is able to come up with comprehensive responses to it. First of all, it is possible to argue that faith is an abstract matter; that is why one can hardly find any evidence, especially in the sufficient amount (Burton 255). In other words, religious belief in not a scientific category which can be measured; it is deeply personal and rests on aspects that should not be analyzed from a general scientific point of view. This means that faith is beyond the scope of any kind of measurement and, as a result, obtaining sufficient amount of evidence will be rather problematic. However, it should not be counted as a basis for rejecting it. Secondly, Clifford may be right while criticizing appealing to authority as a suitable way to convert people. Nevertheless, there are numerous examples when people were able to gain a unique personal experience and based on it they would promote their faith (Lazowski 250). If one continues the example which was brought up earlier, namely the case of Paul the Apostle, one might note that it was after his personal experience that he was able to obtain faith; therefore, it was absolutely legitimate for him to engage it while promoting it. After all, from a broad point of view faith is entirely a personal experience. Finally, one might address the claim which is made by Clifford with regard the limits of one experience. He argues that one should not go beyond the limits of it; however, the very essence of faith is transcendental which means that a believer can not help engaging a different dimension of reality into one’s worldview (Harrison 72). In other words, upon becoming a believer a person agrees to expand the limits of one’s perception. That is why relying on one’s immediate experience is likely to distort one’s faith. This means that the claim which is articulated by Clifford is originally incompatible with a worldview of a true believer since the latter heavily relies on a certain transcendental aspect in one’s life. So, there is a clear conflict of interests and it will always be resolved in favor of the latter. Conclusion Having examined all the evidence, one is able to come to the following conclusion: non evidentialist approach towards faith, as it was advocated by St. Thomas Aquinas, seems to be quite plausible. It relies on the assumption that the above mentioned concept is greatly influenced by the personal experience and can be supported by revelation that may be found in the sacred texts. It is obvious that evidentialists will object to such position, suggesting that there should be sufficient amount of evidence, one should not rely on the authority or go beyond the limits of the experience; however, a suitable response would argue that faith is an abstract matter that can not rely on objective evidence; the significance of authority is often supported by personal experience and faith inevitably employs some transcendent elements. Works Cited Aquinas, Thomas. "Quaestiones Disputatae De Veritate:." Dominican House of Studies. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. . Burton, Steven J. Judging in Good Faith. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1992. Print. Clifford, W. K. "The Ethics of Belief." Infidels.org. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. . Harrison, C. G., and Christopher Bamford. The Transcendental Universe: Six Lectures on Occult Science, Theosophy, and the Catholic Faith : Delivered before the Berean Society. Hudson, NY: Lindisfarne, 1993. Print. Hindson, Edward E. The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2008. Print. Lazowski, Philip. Understanding Your Neighbors Faith: What Christians and Jews Should Know about Each Other. Jersey City, NJ: KTAV Pub. House, 2003. Print. Read More