Religious Epistemology
The nature and justification of religious belief and knowledge—how we can know God.
Plantinga's Contribution
Alvin Plantinga has revolutionized religious epistemology. His work on properly basic beliefs and the sensus divinitatis has transformed the field.
Plantinga's Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism (EAAN) shows that naturalism is self-defeating: if our cognitive faculties evolved for survival, not truth, we have no reason to trust them—including our belief in naturalism.
- Properly Basic Belief: Some beliefs are justified without argument—like belief in other minds, the past, or the external world. Belief in God can be similarly basic.
- Sensus Divinitatis: Humans have a natural faculty for perceiving God—like perception. Calvin's insight: we are made to know God.
- Warranted Christian Belief: If Christianity is true, Christian belief is probably warranted. The de jure objection (belief is irrational) depends on the de facto objection (belief is false).
- EAAN: The Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism: naturalism combined with evolution is self-defeating. Theism provides a better foundation for trusting reason.
Faith and Reason
How do faith and reason relate? The Christian tradition has always affirmed their harmony—faith seeking understanding.
Augustine: 'Believe in order to understand.' Anselm: 'Faith seeking understanding.' Aquinas: 'Grace perfects nature.' Faith and reason are complementary, not contradictory.
- Complementary: Faith and reason are not opposed but work together. Reason can lead to faith; faith deepens understanding.
- Faith Seeking Understanding: Augustine and Anselm: believe in order to understand. Faith is not blind but seeks rational articulation.
- Reasonable Faith: Christian faith is supported by evidence and argument. Apologetics is the rational defense of the faith.
- The Divine Algorithm: Radical honesty, orientation toward the greatest good, iterative recalibration—this is faith and reason working together.