Good Statement except for one bias - faith and reason can be reconciled without conflict

Submitted by Emily Nghiem (United States), May 15, 2007 at 15:59

I agree with Whaley's statement except for one bias. Faith need not be opposed to reason, but the two can be reconciled without conflict. Seeking to establish and enforce common truth, between secular and faith-based institutions and policies, will indeed set humanity free -- from oppression, violence and war caused by conflicting political factions, by agreeing to balance competing interests with shared values and goals of global health and public good.

The greatest struggle is internal first, within each person's perception of overcoming conflict with others, using a combination of faith and reason to mediate to accommodate different interests with equal respect. This standard of justice, inherent in individual and collective conscience, manifests in local personal relationships and community, and globally influences greater social relations between institutions and nations worldwide.

Balance needed for spiritual harmony as well as social and economic justice depends on uniting with common faith and focus on what is truly good for all people, while also respecting individual free will to arrive at and participate in decisions by reason and consent, not by abusing political or religious force.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".