Science and Christian Faith - Assignment Example

Reason, Faith and Tradition CHAPTER FAITH AND REASON I Question According to the argument of Karl Rahner (Karl), it is evident that the transcendence means special encounters with the numinous. It has been recognized that experience of transcendence can also be differentiated in accordance with the structure and culture of the particular person (Albl 6-18). Question 2 It has been identified that the reality behind the transcendent realm has been widely accepted and believed by the recorded societies. The recorded societies across the globe have been critically described the realm of transcendent into different means including the Heaven, Nirvana and the gods of Mount Olympus among others. However, in each case, the recorded societies have widely agreed that the realm of transcendent exists beyond everyday’s realities whether it is visible or tangible or crucial to build a meaningful life (Albl 6-18). Question 3 With respect to numerous contentions associated with reality of transcendent, it is evident that the realm of transcendence can only be accepted if it is strongly believed in everyday life. However, the arguments made by different societies can also be duly respected. For instance, in everyday life, we experience transcendent by understanding beauty and love, truth and freedom, along with certain type of mysterious events that confront with rationalities (Albl 6-18). CHAPTER 2: FAITH AND REASON II Question 1 From the perspective of intellectual movement, the concept of rationalism is often defined as a particular view, which enables to identify the chief source or reason of knowledge. On the other hand, term rationalism is also regarded as any types of views that are likely to make strong appeal based on firm reason as the primary source of any justification (Lacey 17-23). In the context of materialism, the term tends to define a materialist worldview, which explores logical extension regarding the view of the rationalists. With regard to the various opinions, it has also been ascertained that the term materialism only involves true reality. This is owing to the fact that the strong believe on physical world or material tends to bear the reality as it involves true sources of experience (Albl 19-43). Notwithstanding to the concept of realism and materialism, term determinism in the context of intellectual movement significantly denotes a philosophical position behind every event. According to the definition, determinism signifies moral choices that are largely determined by an individual due to his/her previous experiences (Doyle 17-41). Question 2 With respect to the criteria of truth explored by different recorded societies, it can be revealed that feelings admitted by the majority of individuals cannot be determined with adequate levels of truth. However, most of the individuals are likely to demonstrate their innate feelings in order to determine any judgment contrary to collecting appropriate evidence or facts about any events (Albl 19-43). Question 3 It can be ascertained that the reasons are ultimately based on a particular type of faith with rationalities. In this regard, the statement can only be accepted, if the reasons have adequate evidences that denote appropriate level of rationalism and materialism principles (Albl 19-43). Question 4 The movement toward the intellectual conversion is argued to have numerous limitations detailed by the rationalists, materialists and determinists. According to the worldview of rationalists, the conversion to Christianity considers wide range of reasons due to the numerous ethical principles of in Christian faith. The conversion to Christian faith tends to involve a generous set of guiding principles in order to build strong faith of reality in human mind. The decision of converting into Christianity does not involve any appropriate reason; rather the movement departed from Christian faith infrequently entails purely an intellectual decision of individuals. In this regard, the Lewis has critically stated that the strict ethical teachings that often involve difficulties with the experience of time. The faiths in Christianity might impose individuals to feel pressure in terms of ensuring compliance with the strict ethical principles (Albl 19-43). Question 5 According to the various studies across conventional and modern theological aspects, religious faith has long been recognized to undergo various contemplations. In relation to past studies, it was argued that the religious faiths involve certain key aspects that have significant influence on the lives of human beings. However, the aspects of faith also experience major contention as it renders a number of undesirable reasons to objectively support religious faiths (Adams, “Kierkegaards Arguments against Objective Reasoning in Religion”). From the rationalist, materialist and deterministic perspective, faith over the religious aspects and standards significantly creates an objectionable thought in individuals’ mind to seek peace from different other concerns. However, each aspect of religious faith involves major controversy due to the lack materialistic evidences (Albl 19-41). CHAPTER 3: DOING THEOLOGY Question 1 According to the Catholic theological beliefs, Thomas Aquinas regarding the faith of religion has been identified to hold an exceptional standing with respect to conventional theological concept. In relation to Aquinas’ general principles, the general principle of Aquinas significantly defines the concept of “philosophy of being.” The general principle significantly defines the actual fact of existence that is generally developed by the sense of wonder regarding any object (Albl 45-71). Question 2 The metaphysical concept generally involves a set of objects that do not take into account any subjective factors. With respect to the conventional philosophy, the definition of metaphysical question does not implicate any particular subject but in general, it deals with the “ultimate question of existence.” Few of the examples of metaphysical quests are such as “Why does anything exist at all?”; “Why the sky is blue?” and “Why the water is wet?” among others (Albl 45-71). Natural science generally refers to a subject, which involves discovering evidence based information of the physical and natural determinants. The process of gathering information in natural science includes empirical and experimental practices that can significantly differentiated regarding the concept of metaphysical questions. On the other hand, metaphysical questions fail to evidently address scientific questions and are often subjected to controversy (Albl 45-71). Question 3 The universe must have a ‘First Cause’. With respect to different studies, it has been ascertained that if there is no ‘First Cause’, the universe can never be explained. The non-existence of First Cause can reduce the capability of defining anything in a broad perspective. Moreover, the absence of ‘First Cause’ in the universe might partial explanation about the universe (Albl 45-71). The ‘First Cause’ is always accepted as the reality that needs to transcend the universe. This is owing to the fact that the existence of ‘First Cause’ tends to provide key understanding regarding any events along with their primary reasons and consequences. In addition, it can be determined from the evidences that the existence of temporal phenomena can never continue to infinity, and it highly requires a cause of existence (Albl 45-71). Question 4 The in-depth understanding about the concept and principles from different studies, it can be determined that the modern form of theologies respond in three major ways such as transcendental theologies, contemporary theologies and liberation theologies. In response to the critical challenges of the enlightenment, the modern theologies tend to defend various possible aspects regarding the religious faiths, realities and ‘First Cause’ of the universe. According to Dulles, the primary objective of the modern theological aspects is to critically demonstrate their capabilities. In relation to the study of Dulles, it has been recognized that the modern theological ways transform intelligence along with reasoning ability of the individuals (Albl 45-71). Question 5 Catholic approach to theology can be referred as a key characteristic of doctrine in the Roman Catholic Church, which is often considered as a major set of religious ethics. It is purely located between two major approaches including fideistic and countercultural approach. From the perspective of fideism, the approach tends to respond theology in different ways with respect to faith and reason to determine the actual truth regarding morality, metaphysical ideas along with the religious beliefs. In the context of counterculture concept, the approach logically utilizes a Christ-against-culture, which tends to primarily consider the Church as a countercultural aspect. The approach in this context enables to effectively rationalize truth and transcendence of reality (Albl 45-71). CHAPTER 4: SCIENCE AND CHRISTIAN FAITH Question 1 Judeo-Christian can be referred as a subset of Christianity, which has been used since 1950s. It primarily stresses the fundamental ethical principles of Christianity and Judaism. According to the conception of Alfred North Whitehead regarding the development of modern science, it has been observed that the scientists from during the early European era were highly involved motivating painstaking research into nature. The contention has been made by Whitehead as the scientists were convinced regarding the rational structure of the universe. In this context, the confidence of Whitehead was evolved based on the beliefs of the scientists that the whole universe was created by a rational God (Albl 72-90) Question 2 The conflict between the Catholic Church and Galileo can be considered as one of the major complexities and controversial since the evolution of modern theology. The conflict was complex as it involved a host of sensitive issues. Moreover, huge amount of volatile personalities between the Church and Galileo has also been considered as a basic fact of their conflict (Demarco, “The dispute between Galileo and the Catholic Church”). In a view of Pope John Paul II, the conflict between the Church and Galileo, Galileo was unable to persuade his claim to Catholic Church regarding the mountains in the moon and the presence of Jupiter’s on moon. However, the confirmed telescopic observation had been accepted the claim of Galileo (Demarco, “The dispute between Galileo and the Catholic Church”). Question 3 Biological design argument can be termed as a process of considering evidence in order to animate nature. From the design perspective, it is argued that “evolution” which purports biological orders is no more valid scientifically (Albl 72-90). The biological design argument has been challenged by the Neo-Darwinist theory of evolution. According to the Neo-Darwinist theory of evolution, biological order is embedded in the process of natural selection and modern population genetics. In a broad sense, the concept or principles in the Neo-Darwinism theory can be firmly attributed to a conventional view articulated in the Darwinism theory of evolution (Albl 72-90). Question 4 As far as the acceptance of the theory of evolution and the philosophy of evolutionism as a theory that tries to explain the whole of life is concerned, there can be viewed to exist significant disparity. With regard to theory of evolution, many consider the theory to be depicting certain logical definitions defining the evolution of life. On the other hand, the philosophy of evolutionism as a theory is still perceived to lack proper justification for whole evolution of life (Albl 72-90). Question 5 Many theologians and philosophers have argued that religious faith and science is incompatible. In this regard, the elements govern that faith and science should not be treated as two separate realms. Both science and faith have their own tenets, and these tenets should not be used as a contradictory. Besides, the element also advocates that both scientists and theologians can learn from the respective thoughts. (Albl 95-96). CHAPTER 5: C. REVELATION Question 1 From the Christian view, the revelation of God is considered necessary. Taking into consideration, the fact that God has always been considered as a bridge between the finite knowledge along with the transgression of the human beings. The actions of the human beings have always been considered as an act, resulting from the desires and necessities within them. Moreover, within Christianity, the mode of God’s relevance has also been provided prime importance. For instance, throughout history, God‘s revelation has been considered to have occurred in two specific manner. The first type is through direct revelation where God is considered to be walking among humans and enlightening them. The second type is when God communicates to mankind through a medium such as a descendent (Albl 100-110). The second style of God’s revelation is also considered as the historical revelation where God appeared to have communicated to the mankind through a specific individual or a group of individuals acting as mediators. The natural revelation of God is quite unique. Here God’s order and decision making capabilities are compared with the nature’s law and balance maintaining techniques. In case of natural revelation, God has been considered as a trinity (Albl 115-125). Question 2 Contention regarding whether God is a personal or an impersonal mind has acquired much attention in the current scenario that also appears to have pulled the threads of both science and philosophy. One aspect of the argument describes God as something being time and space who is considered to be the creator of the universe and all the divine powers within it. However, the contrary argument describes God as a scientific force that resulted in the creation of the universe. However, on the contrary, the argument gets confined to one point that who is responsible for triggering the scientific action that formed the universe. The first argument fills up the void with one factor stating that God is a personal being who appeared to have structured the universe and the nature. As a result of which, major emphasis will always be provided on the fact that God is a personal being and not an impersonal mind (WordPress Admin, “Personal God or Jedi Master?”). Question 3 The relationship between the two statements that ‘God is wise and that “person is wise’ lies in the fact that human beings have always been imagined as mirror structures of God. As a result of which, when one says God is wise, the statement to a certain extent concludes the fact that human beings are also wise. Although the entire logic cannot be considered as valid due to the fact that human wisdom will always be considered as restricted and less advanced in comparison to that of God’s divine wisdom. However, according to Aquinas, there occurs certain sort of similarities between the wisdom and thinking pattern of humans and that of God (Albl 110-120). Question 4 In accordance to the Christian definition, Miracle is a sign of God’s relevance within mankind’s world in order to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of human beings. The world Miracle also compiles two meanings. The first meaning is the successful accomplishment of tasks that might appear theoretically impossible from the natural and scientific perspective. This meaning also projects that the define power of God is not bound within the laws of the nature. Apart from this, the second meaning describes the occurrence of miracles as a sign from God regarding his existence along with a remainder regarding his concern towards the restoration of wellbeing within all mankind (Albl 125-127). Question 5 Numerous reasons can be identified for accepting the possibility of miracles. One of such reason is regarding the occurrence of the miracle events in a non-repeating manner. The observation of such events can specifically be seen in the areas of medical science. Likewise, the inability of science in terms of justifying the factors resulting in the occurrence of such miracle events can also be considered as a valid reason for accepting the possibility of miracles. Often contention emerge regarding the fact that if science is unable to trace out the factors resulting in miracles, then there must be some divine power that controls the miracle process, but also hides his revelation from everyone. The third and the most crucial reason that justifies the above question is the occurrence of the miracle events against the laws of the nature which in turn proves that the divine power is not restricted by the nature’s law (Albl 125-127). CHAPTER 6: THE TRINITY Question 1 Three essential points in this context has been structured from the biblical perception and has been listed as under. The first essential point is regarding the existence of only one living God despite of the fact that humans worship God in multiple forms. The second essential point is about the existence of God within three persons i.e. the Son, the Father and the Holy Spirit. The third essential point is that, each and every individual is considered as complete God but none of them are identical. (Albl 132-137) Question 2 Taking into consideration, the unity of the universe, it can be stated that whatever individuals observe in the universe are all illusions (Albl 132-137). On the contrary, plurality of the universe describes the philosophy regarding the existence of multiple words, which in further extent describes the existence of extraterrestrial beings on other worlds. The evaluation of these two concepts gives rise to one issue that can be perceived from both philosophical and theoretical perspective that whether the God is something defined outside the laws of the nature or for every world there exists one such divine energy the results in diversification of life forms within multiple words. The doctrine of Trinity answered this issue by stating that God is only one and that divine power exists within every individual. Question 3 As per the New Testament, Jesus is considered as a mediator through which God established communication with the mankind. The early Christians considered him as divine due to the fact that Jesus proclaimed himself as the son of God, which was interpreted differently by the critics of Jesus who strategized to kill him. The critics of Jesus considered his statement as way through which Jesus compared himself with God (Catholic Answers, “The Divinity of Christ”). Question 4 The reason that resulted in giving rise to the Arian controversy was related to a debate where one aspect was regarding the existence of unity between the Father and the Son and the other aspect was completely contradictory i.e. rather than unity, there existed difference between the Father and the Son. As a result, the semi-Arians molded themselves as per the views of the orthodox and started the development of Trinitarian Doctrine with the prime intention of sorting out the controversial issue. The Trinitarian doctrine brought about multiple norms and beliefs regarding the existence of God within the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. As a result of which it can be stated that all three of them are equal (Hinks, “The Arian Controversy - An Overview”). Question 5 The trinity that includes three crucial aspects namely the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit can be related to the doctrine of creation by taking into consideration, two significant facts. The first one being that that God is the only divine power that has created the world, human beings and the nature. For the second fact, it can be stated that God exists within the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Adding to that, the love between the Father and the Son has been in terms of a Spirit, which on certain aspects makes it highly difficult in differentiating between the first individual and the second individual. It also describes God to be active in terms of creating humans (Webster 1-6). CHAPTER 7: HUMAN NATURE AND HUMAN DESTINY Question 1 From the Gnosticism perception, the human is just like the container of a secret soul. Adding to that, Gnosticism does not give much preference to the wellbeing of the body but rather provide high importance to the goodness that can be spread through the secret soul entrapped within the body. Likewise, the Christians also consider the human body as a costume which holds a secret soul that can be utilized in terms of motivating others towards breaking their embodiment and helping them understanding the divinity within them. Adding to the above facts along with the Christian anthropology, the doctrine of incarnation helps in describing the element that God used the body of his son Jesus in order to uplift the humanity and pave the path towards attaining divinity. Question 2 One crucial relationship can be drawn between the Christian view of salvation and the resurrection of Jesus based on the fact that the basic teaching of Christianity includes statements according to which, the human life on earth is accompanied by suffering, violence, and finally death. In this regard, the resurrection of Jesus after His crucifixion paved a path through which death can be conquered (Webster 1-6). Question 3 Luther denied the reality of free will due to the fact that he considered the concept as a complete illusion and that every man as either the servant of God or Satan (Kreis, “Lecture 5: The Catholic Reformation”). The modern Lutherans believe that attaining God’s grace completely depends on the decision made by God himself regarding whom he will be saving after the death. This completely contradicts to the modern Catholic view on God’s grace according to which, certain additional aspects such as behavior of the individuals, level of Sins and the efforts of the purgatory also helps in attaining God’s grace. Moreover, in terms of human free will, the Lutherans believe that human can act or perform anything they want, except their salvation but the Catholics believe that all humans are free and thus create the record of their own deeds based on which their salvation attainment might depend (Kreis, “Lecture 5: The Catholic Reformation”). Question 4 From the Christian perspective, sin can be described as a deed that gets committed against the guidelines mentioned within the eternal law. Sin can take the form of a religious as well as a theological category. In addition, multiple modern challenges exist that add up to the sin concept such as being highly pessimistic, practicing of unfair means, being misogynistic and many more (BBC, “Original sin”). Question 5 The Catholic Church generally describes purgatory as a place where humans can purify their sins and attain holiness that will be necessary for earning a place in the heaven after the death (Albl 164-167). However, the reformers rejected the Bible stating that it did not contain facts of deuterocanonical books for instance, Maccabees (Albl 164-167). Thus in order to resolve the differences between the Christian and the Protestant churches, Pope Benedict XVI explained purgatory as a purifying fire burning within every individual against all the sins committed by him / her throughout his/ her life span (Albl 164-167). Works Cited Adams, Robert. (n.d.). Kierkegaards Arguments against Objective Reasoning in Religion. Web. 07 Aug. 2014. Albl, Martin, C. (209). Reason, Faith, and Tradition: Explorations in Catholic Theology. United States of America: Saint Marys Press. “Original sin.” BBC. 2014. Web. 7 Aug. 2014. “The Divinity of Christ.” Catholic Answers. 2014. Web. 7 Aug. 2014. Demarco, Donald. (n.d.). “The dispute between Galileo and the Catholic Church.” Web. 07 Aug. 2014. Dennis, Hinks. “The Arian Controversy - An Overview.” 1999. Web. 7 Aug. 2014. Doyle, Bob. (2011). Free Will: The Scandal in Philosophy. Cambridge: I-Phi Press. Kreis, Steven. “Lecture 5: The Catholic Reformation.” 2010. Web. 7 Aug. 2014. Lacey, Alan. (2002). A Dictionary of Philosophy, New Edition. London: Routledge. “Personal God or Jedi Master?” WordPress Admin. 2014. Web. 7 Aug. 2014. Webster John. “The Identity of the Holy Spirit: A Problem in Trinitarian Theology” The Problem. (1983): 1-6. Print. Read More