Faith and Reason in the Teaching of Bl. John Henry Newman. Silesian Historical and Theological Studies 47 (2014) 1, 111-126.
This paper focuses on the relationship between faith and reason in the writings of Bl. John Henry Newman, one of the greatest personalities of nineteenth- century Britain. The topicality of Newmana is stressed today in the context of social, political, and theological considerations. He is called in invisible peritus of the Second Vatican Council. In his sermons and essays, sought to show that there is no contradiction between faith and reason because in our daily matters we more often than not act on faith. If such is the case, we must find a broader sense of rationality. In this broader sense, Newman finds certitude. This certitude is different than certainty of logical propositions, for it concerns concrete acts, therefore it is personal rather than merely logical. Certitude resembles personal maturity in which we assent to certain truths and follow what we have thus assented to. This following, this personal readiness Newman calls realization. To realize something in faith means to transcend natural difficulties and grasp the truth.