Since theology is the study of what God has revealed for us to believe, it is fitting to begin a study of theology by studying the virtue by which we believe divine revelation. Hence, in this section, we begin with a study of faith.
Why The Study Of Faith Is Useful:
The study of faith is useful for two reasons; because of the dignity of the object of faith and because of the errors regarding it.
Because of the Dignity of the Object of Faith:
Faith is the “foundation of human salvation” I cannot tend towards my salvation or supernatural end without first knowing that It was promised to me. And this I know through Faith. And only after making an act of faith can I seek salvation.
Faith adds a new light to my intelligence. My intellectual knowledge, by which I affirm that certain things are true, is derived from intellectuality of God. Now, what happens in Faith? This ray of light in my mind is reinforced so I can see and believe new things – supernatural truths. See S.T. I.105.3
Faith is a safeguard against error, we hear Modernists plead for freedom from Dogma: they would take us from the First Truth and place us under the tyranny of human opinion and error. There are none more intolerant than those who issue the dogma that there shall be no more dogma. See Jn. C.3 – “The truth shall set you free.”
Faith is a perennial source of strength and consolation. We see this every day and so there is need to develop this point. But read Hebrews 11:3.
Faith is the dawn and foretaste of the Beatific Vision. The essence of Beatific Vision is the knowing and seeing of God. Faith is also this, but only in an obscure manner.
Because of the Errors Regarding Faith:
Several schools of thought hold errors regarding faith, such as:
Agnostics and Empiricists - say that all know is that which I have sensed, the phenomena of things. And since the supernatural does not come under this category, they say we have no right to claim any knowledge of it. Hence, Revelation is non-existent for us.
Rationalists – Rationalists may accept Revelation, but only as much as our reason can see and explain. Thus, the dogma of the Trinity cannot be accepted because my reason cannot explain it.
Liberal Protestants - They develop the principle of the Agnostics, so they say we must seek the solution inside of man. God reveals Himself in my conscience, and man’s response to this religious experience is an act of faith. Faith for them is a religious emotion only.
