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Infographic — the argument at a glance
01
Feeling is real, but partial
Emotion can point us toward God, but it cannot, by itself, tell us what is true.
02
Faith is a way of knowing
Belief is reasoned trust — it engages the intellect, not just the heart.
03
Reason & reverence belong together
The tradition holds both: rigorous thought and humble worship, in one posture.
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Mind map — how the ideas connect
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Faith as a Reasonable Response to Truth
Feelings are unstable and temporary
Faith rests on objective truth
Religion without dogma collapses
Fideism — relying on faith without reason
Explaining and defending the faith
1 Peter 3:15 — a prepared, reasoned, humble defense
Rooted in deep study and prayer
St. Justin Martyr — whatever is true is ours
Reason investigates truth
Faith trusts the truths reason points toward
Belief as informed, rational trust
Mysteries are unfathomable but knowable
Matthew 19:14 — the Kingdom belongs to children
Acts 2:38-39 — the promise to the next generation
Continuity with Old Covenant circumcision
Matthew 28:18-19 — the command to baptize
Romans 1:16 — confidence in the Gospel
Dogma — divinely revealed truth
Mystagogy — guidance into the mysteries
Transcendence — beyond the material world
Objective truth — independent of personal opinion
Examine your beliefs rationally
Separate feelings from foundations
Pursue truth through constant study
Slide deck — The Rational Blueprint
Flashcards — tap a card to reveal
Quick self-check on the chapter's key ideas.
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What does Hahn mean by “faith is a way of knowing”?
Belief is rooted in understanding and rational trust — not just emotional experience.
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Why can’t faith rest solely on feelings?
Feelings are unstable and temporary, whereas genuine faith must rest on enduring truth.
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What is apologetics?
The art of explaining and defending the Christian faith using reason, logic, history, and scripture.
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Which verse calls us to give a defense for our hope?
1 Peter 3:15 — and to do it with gentleness and respect.
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What was St. Justin Martyr’s principle about truth?
Whatever is true is ours — all truth belongs to God.
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What happens to faith when dogma is dismissed?
It eventually collapses, because it loses its intellectual foundation and relies only on emotion.
The Mercy Court
Your pathway to divine reasoning
Reports — written companions
Brief
A one-page summary of the chapter’s argument and where it lands.
Thematic glossary
Key terms — apologetics, dogma, fideism, transcendence — defined in plain language.
Scriptural commentary
The passages behind the chapter, read closely and in context.
Study guide
Discussion questions and prompts for personal or group reflection.
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