Rationalism v. Fideism:
Emphasis on ID
From the times of St. Augustine, John Calvin, Martin Luther, and even Jonathan Edwards, the topic of religion and science has always sparked an interest in both scientist and theologian’s minds. The terms religion and science are viewed as just that; religion and science, two absolutely separate themes that could never work together. As Dr. Bill Dembski (leading scientist for Intelligent Design) has shared numerous times, a scientist can believe in Intelligent Design, but once the creator becomes a proper noun into the “Creator”, the scientist is immediately shunned for thinking both science and religion could work together. The models of rationalism and fideism are two standing extremist theories that separate the two departments of religion and science, which leaves no means for reconciliation. Within the two extremes (rationalism being reason alone, fideism being faith alone) there must lay a middle ground, a place where both scientist and theologians can rest comfortably knowing that both logical reasoning and faith are being used together. The intention is to prove that true faith should include reasoning, and true reasoning should include faith.
Rationalism is defined as “Reliance on reason as the best guide for belief and action”[1]. In taking a glance at rationalism, the most important and possibly founding father to the idea is Plato. Platonic thought is primarily based on the idea of universals, which originally seemed to state that universals were either ghost-like or eternally existing in “forms” of every objects that exist (i.e – the redness of an apple, the applehood of an apple, etc.). Most modern thinkers conceive Plato’s idea of universals, which took up both time and space, and original form as Platonic realism. Platonic realism seems the epitome of explanations in a life where faith and God (a god) cannot exist.
Not too far behind this Platonic thinking is rationalism, the idea that all things are rational and reasonable, without any faith at all. The issue normally encountered with a rationalist is explaining things unseen or even “miraculous” type events; without faith there is no basis for miracles or prayer, everything must be follow basic logical thought. Within reason alone, a rationalist trust there mind and reason; they can take comfort in logical arguments and material/visible substances. However, the troubles that are encountered within rationalism become significant because since no faith can be involved, their perspective on life is narrowed. Example: Faith in the goodness of a child; their ability to do something from genuine care, and not selfishness Rationalism dissipates the idea of faith within the child’s genuine action and calls for thorough examination of previous actions in correlation to this particular one, to determine motive.
While rationalism holds a few key points, there are issues where the believer is not only short changing their own beliefs, but affecting everyone around them.
Fideism
Fideism is defined as “Reliance on faith alone rather than scientific reasoning or philosophy in questions of religion.”[2] Under the confines of fideism, a religions person is left with faith alone without science or philosophy ever superseding a faith-based thought. The issues encountered by a faith alone believer often leave out all scientific facts and findings. Science is either considered any enemy or useless. The reality that faith can stand alone without the help of science or philosophy is in itself, irrational. The Bible states in Colossians 1:16 “…by Him [Christ] everything was created, in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible…” The Christian God and Messiah even claims that all things were made by Him, this gives the implication that all of the scientific findings can lead back to Him, if the work is done correctly.
Both rationalism and fideism take the two extremes of religion/faith and science. The middle ground between the two is non-existent, but looking toward the future of science and religion there seems to be an explosion of both departments working together toward truth. A great example of science coinciding with religion is the Intelligent Design movement. Granted the ID movement gives NO specification as to who the creator may be, or what the intelligence may be, but it provides a “faith-based” alternation to Darwinian evolution using scientific fact.[3] Taking irreducible complexity, a theory that views the complexity of nature and humanity, an individual is given the opportunity to examine complex designs that seem to have no transition period. The importance and significance of theories such as Intelligent Design are that they provide an escape to the rationalism found in Darwinian evolution, but they also do not accept fideism because they are using both reason and science for faith based arguments.
The ideal for society and even for anyone faith based is that they can eventually be able to use science to prove the existence of their god. Theories that challenge evolution gives normal individuals a chance review their own faith in light of science. There may be differences between where science holds the truth to be, and where faith holds the truth to be. In any such case, the individual can rationally and reasonably decide within their mind how to solve the dilemma. Advocating for fideism or rationalism is very irrational as ironic as it seems, but providing a place within the scientific community and faith community where both views are freely welcome is on the way. Dr. Bill Dembski made statements that Darwinian evolution is going “belly up”, giving the implication that Intelligent Design is going to provide a reasonable, rational, and scientific look at the creation of the world for faith based scientist.
Noting that both science and religion can work together is NOT advocating theist evolution, in such a case; a person must examine their doctoral beliefs to see what their writings share. In Christianity as an example, Genesis 1 is clear that God created by fiat, meaning He created things complete and fully functional, thus theist evolution does not match up with what the Scriptures teach. The Scripture leaves no room for macro-evolution to work.
Although Darwin, Calvin, Luther, or Edwards will not be able to see the coming future, a new Enlightenment is on the rise, one filled with knowledge, facts, science, and faith. With no advocating for faith alone or reason alone, society must stand back from conventional categories, and realize the ground breaking implications that Intelligent Design brings; a new idea where faith works with reason, and reason works with faith.
[1] Answers.com, 2007, http://www.answers.com/topic/rationalism/ (accessed April 28, 2007).
[2] Answer.com, 2007, http://www.answers.com/fideism/ (accessed April 29,2007).
[3] It is very much note worthy that ID does not side with any particular religion, nor does it advocate in giving the “intelligence” a name.