Authority of Reason in the Anglican Tradition

Przemysław Kantyka

Przemysław Kantyka Institute of Dogmatic Theology and Ecumenism, John Paul II Catholic University

Keywords: authority; reason; Anglicanism

Abstract

The article examines the subject of reason in the Anglican theological tradition. First it examines the question of the relation between reason and the Scripture and its role in the proper understanding of the biblical message of faith. Reason safeguards the faith against the selective and literal use of the Scripture (“unthinking biblicism”). Next, the limitations of reason with respect to faith are indicated. Being necessary for the affirmation of the Scriptures, reason is insufficient in face of the mystery of God and thus requires revelation. The need for reason is ultimately recovered in the explanation and affirmation of faith: intelligo ut credam.

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