If reason justly contradicts an article, it is not of the household of faith

If reason justly contradicts an article, it is not of the household of faith

Jeremy Taylor was a prominent theologian and writer in the 17th century, known for his eloquent prose and deep theological insights. In his work, Taylor often grappled with the relationship between reason and faith, seeking to reconcile the two in a way that honored both the intellect and the heart.

One of Taylor's most famous quotes on this topic is: "If reason justly contradicts an article, it is not of the household of faith." This statement encapsulates Taylor's belief that faith and reason are not inherently opposed, but rather should work in harmony to deepen one's understanding of the divine.

For Taylor, faith was not blind acceptance of dogma, but a reasoned response to the mysteries of God. He believed that true faith was grounded in a deep understanding of scripture, tradition, and reason, and that it should be able to withstand scrutiny and questioning.

At the same time, Taylor recognized the limitations of reason in matters of faith. He understood that there were aspects of the divine that were beyond human comprehension, and that faith required a willingness to embrace mystery and paradox.