Some argue that theists’ reliance on faith-based reasoning renders their arguments inferior to those of non-theists. The non-theist’s position, it is claimed, is based on reason because the non-theist insists that he requires proof of an idea before he will subscribe to it. Given the frequency with which different versions of this argument are made, it is worthwhile briefly pointing out the fallacy of thinking that any of us can escape faith-based reasoning.
If God does not exist, then man is ultimately the product of a long series of arbitrary, chance events. If man is the product of a lengthy series of arbitrary events that occurred without the influence of a higher reasoning power at any point, then man’s mind is also the product of arbitrary events. This raises an important question: if man’s mind is the product of a series of such events, what basis does a person have to fully trust his own cognition? How can a person be certain that his mind is free of delusion?
Man cannot ascertain the validity of even the simplest argument without presupposing that his reasoning abilities are a reliable tool for examining reality and acquiring knowledge. But if man’s mind is itself the product of a long series of chance events, man has no wholly reliable basis to be certain of the soundness of his own thinking. By necessity, man’s use of logic can begin only after man has placed faith in the soundness of his own mind. Placing faith in one’s reasoning abilities is the starting point for judging the soundness of any reason-based argument.
Recognizing this, people should pause before concluding that believers’ open reliance on faith is insensible. Whether we like it or not, there is no escape from faith-based reasoning for any of us.
Faith’s foundational role in human reasoning forms an important piece of the answer to the problem of evil. To understand the central role it plays, please consider reading The Advent of Time.