Fides Quaerens Intellectum
Fides quaerens intellectum is a Latin phrase that means “faith seeking understanding”. It’s the definition of a theological method coined by 11th century theologian, Anselm of Canterbury. It really explains the method I’ve adopted for my spiritual quest. I’m seeking, for clarity. Clarity of why I believe what I believe. My quest requires I put aside my preconceptions to rebuild my stage of truth from scratch. This stage of truth provides foundations for my beliefs. It’s hard. Some times you don’t realize how much spiritual baggage you’ve carried to get were you are today. And some days I find myself defending an element of my faith without really understanding it well enough to elaborate why I’m so passionate about it. It’s not that I question my beliefs. I think it’s just I’ve relied too much on experience and feelings and I want a proper balance of heart, soul, and mind love for God. After all, God’s called us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and all our mind (Ma 22:37). I think as Christians today we tend to forget the last part. God doesn’t dumb things down for us, why should we!?! And why would a world of non-believers rely on feeling when the rest of their lives are based on intellect. I have no fear that should I question my faith against Science or other religions that God will answer loudly. In fact I’ve already seen evidence of this in my current quest.
Through this exercise I’ve learned two pretty important things. One, I have some beliefs of which I’ve come to accept based on evidence which I will never have 100% certainty. To some people this will seem disturbing; however the more I study the more I realize most of life is filled with non-spiritual beliefs which never contain 100% certainty. The belief my car brakes will work, the belief the locks on my door will actually keep out someone with evil intent, or believing I will actually be alive another day.
The second thing I’ve realized in this quest is how powerful my experience has been to shape my faith thus far. I’ve seen God work in amazing ways in my own life as well as friends and family. That experience has allowed me to have hope and fully rely on God in my times of need. Now I look forward to the days ahead as I balance out my experience with more and more intellectual knowledge.
In case you are interested. I’m studying through a free on-line seminary here. I’m just finishing the first class in the curriculum called The Theology program. Check it out, it’s all downloadable MP3s and free. So now when you see me with my ipod in ear you’ll know I’m not some teenager rocking out to the latest pop band… Yeah, I’m actually nerding out listening to an on-line class! *smile*
Happy learning!
