religious rationalism

Religious rationalism is the belief that all human knowledge comes from the use of natural faculties, without supernatural revelation. This perspective contrasts with religions that rely on divine revelation, asserting that reason should be the ultimate arbiter of truth.1

Historically, religious rationalism saw stirrings in the Middle Ages, with thinkers like Peter Abelard questioning contradictions in revealed truths. Thomas Aquinas, while acknowledging some truths must be accepted on authority, believed much of revealed truth was understandable through reason. The 16th and 17th centuries marked a significant expansion, influenced by scientific discoveries like Galileo's and philosophical reasoning by Descartes, which began to challenge the exclusive authority of revelation and exalt human reason. This movement emphasizes that reason, not faith or authority, is the primary means of understanding the world and religious concepts.21