Faith and Explanations


"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible."

Thomas Aquinas, a Roman Catholic priest, philosopher and theologian, penned these words more than seven centuries ago. On one hand I find it to be somewhat of a religious cliché that falls short in many ways. Surely a person of faith wants and desires explanations. When we are hurting the most we often desire an explanation concerning the things that are happening. So, in that sense, Aquinas can be misunderstood when he says that "no explanation is necessary".

On the flip-side, I really resonate with the idea of not needing an explanation. The Psalmist challenges me when he writes "Be still, and know that I am God". In a very real reality I have found faith to carry me in times of depression and despair. Knowing God has helped me to persevere when life has overwhelmed me. Knowing that God is good and loving inspires me to live better. And when I consider the life of Jesus I understand what life is all about.

...originally posted December 28. 2013
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8 comments:

  1. Debby@Just BreatheDecember 28, 2013 at 1:06:00 PM CST

    That is an excellent quote by Thomas Aquinas!
    I agree that I would like some explanation on certain things but I also feel that all questions will be answered in Heaven when I meet with God.

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    1. kc bobDecember 29, 2013 at 7:55:00 AM CST

      So true Debby. I love how Paul tells us that "now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then shall I know, even as also I am known."

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  2. Mike Erich the Mad TheologianDecember 28, 2013 at 2:24:00 PM CST

    I am not sure that I totally agree with Aquinas on this (I would like to read it in context), but I have found that there comes a point when explanations elude us and we have to decide whether we will trust God or not. But I do not know if that is what he is referring to.

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    1. kc bobDecember 29, 2013 at 8:00:00 AM CST

      So true Mike, faith and trust can never be about relying on our own understanding. These are issue of the heart.

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  3. WandaDecember 28, 2013 at 3:25:00 PM CST

    I really like your analysis of his quote. Comes from personal experience and that's special.

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    1. kc bobDecember 29, 2013 at 8:01:00 AM CST

      Thanks Wanda. Knowing God is such a personal thing.

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  4. Fred ShopeDecember 28, 2013 at 9:13:00 PM CST

    If my life is any indication, I would say that true faith in God is there even if the explanations we ask for don't come. Many times I have sought answers and been left with simply trusting the Father.

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    1. kc bobDecember 29, 2013 at 8:02:00 AM CST

      I resonate with that Fred. Faith remains when answers do not come.

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