Brian Newes

December 1, 2014
Public Speaking
Plavchak
Spiritan Anthology Paper
The cohesion between faith and reason can be seen as difficult to comprehend.
Two ideals that most would think are polar opposites of one another can actually unify
and strengthen one's faith. In both The Spiritan Anthology and Fides Et Ratio Francis
Libermann and John Paull II connect both concepts and give a clear understanding into
how one can combined the two. There are multiple sections in the Anthology that
suggests the connection between faith and reason. Towards the end of Chapter I
Libermann discusses coping with obstacles and disorders (145) and social issues within
society (149). In Chapter II Libermann also touches on advice for the spiritual life (160),
a false idea of maturity (198), and how you should act and pray (190). Both texts
discuss faith on an individual level and on a spiritual one. Libermann and Paul II convey
that balancing both faith and reason make life more meaningful.
In the Anthology's "Chapter 1: Libermann and his personal story" he discusses
the importance of faith. He states that the questions and uncertainties that one has in
life can be aided by faith and that through God's "presence [one] can [become]
indifferent" and he can guide one in acting "as if [one] had never experienced" negative
emotions that hinder someone from expressing how they truly feel (145). Libermann
speaks about his young years and states that he felt an urge to please others but he
says that as soon as he gained "a desire [for] pleasing God" the ways of God helped
him "recover [his] health" and that through his faith Libermann was able to recover from
the "quite violent" past that he had experienced (162). He talks about uncertainties and
violence in the world stating that if "one stay[s] close and united to the Lord...he will be
[there]" and "become life itself within [one]". The importance of faith is essential in
Libermann and John Paul II would agree.
John Paul II says it is crucial to have faith. He wrote in Fides Et Ratio that "men
and women...accomplish no more important act in their lives than the act of faith"
(13.23). Behind God's guidance Paul II believes that humans need a system of beliefs
and that having faith is extremely important. Paul states that the humans "receive and
embrace faith" and that through God there lives can improve tremendusly(14.5). Both
Libermann and Paul II state that faith can benefit one's life and that if one becomes
dedication and devotion to God they will overcome life troubles. They stress that faith
can remove one's doubts and that through the power of faith one's nervousness and
worry that life brings will be cared for by the divine creator.

With the support and comfort that faith can bring, it can also bring up ambiguities
that would inhibit one from continuing their faith. But Libermann suggests that if one only
relies on reason they will be lost. He says that people who attempt to "wander off on
their own path" without direction from God will only find nothing but "lies and death"
(161). He implies that people should "reduce the role of [one's] intellect (164)". Yearning
people to not have perceptions of doubt when it comes to faith. Through faith Libermann
expresses that "in the presence of the Lord" the Spirit of God can "act as he wishes
without [one's] intellect getting in the way." Meaning that as these realistic questions of
suspicion come into one's mind they will be negated by faith.
Paul II also believes that if one has faith along with reason it can be influential on
someone's life. He explains that reason "does not destroy the mystery; it only reveals it
the more, showing how necessary it is for people's lives" (13.46). He makes the
connection that a stronger understanding of the world along with faith can make it more
possible to be closer to God. As one's knowledge of reason develops so does the
connection with God if one continues to be faithful. It makes the strengthen between
human and divine stronger and enforces the unity between the two.
I believe that the relationship between faith and reason give someone a stronger
sense of prosperity. Both ideals maintain a balance that keep someone sane. Having
just faith creates a strict radical-like assumption of the world while having only reason
leaves someone feeling that life is meaningless. Faith and Reason give humans a clear
understanding of concepts that are physical and spiritual. The text from both the Spiritan
Anthology and Fides et Ratio express that having faith and reason can strengthen life as
I proceed into the future. It is a support system and a logical way of thinking that
empowers and can change me for the better. As the understanding of the world around
me progresses, and advances in science and technology are made the ability to know
that a spiritual connection will make me stronger in my beliefs will benefit me
tremendously and provide a everlasting comfort. I also now know that if there is an
absence of one or the other ideal then it can lead to either confusion or a
misunderstanding. Through both texts I was able to gain a greater grasp on how and
why faith and reason are present in life and it gives me a clearer understanding of how
important both of these ideals can be.
When both faith and reason come together in unity with one another they make
life substantial. Through the Spiritan Anthology by Francis Libermann and Fides Et
Ratio by John Paul II they provide a unique take on two concepts that are predominately
viewed by the population as opposites. Libermann suggests that faith can help people
deal with anxieties and apprehensions that come along with everyday life. While John
Paul II says that reason can improve one's faith and even though there are discoveries

that would disprove God that fact that someone still remains devoted to their faith can
strengthen their beliefs and improve their lives. I personally believe that the connection
between the two ideals can contribute to a greater life and be influential in someone's
life. Faith and reason can also be effective in public speaking because having faith that
God will carry one through a presentation while also having the reason to know that one
has to prepare for it can create a clear mindset. Both ideals can help to calm the
speaker down and give the best possible speech. John Paul II and Libermann provide
the knowledge through their texts that gives an explanation to how faith and reason can
be implemented together in unity.