Racjonalność, jako element wiary w wybranych wyznaniach chrześcijańskich

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the manner in which the following denominational families: Protestantism, Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism argue in order to support the substance of faith. Aim which is formulated in sucha way implies an answer to a question: is rationality an indispensable element of faith of the denominational families herein? Research is being conducted on the basis of the assumption analysis of the selected denominational families through the prism of what the said state about themselves. Therefore, catechisms or their manifestos which take the form of catechisms, as well as documents of papal preaching and reflections of theologists constitute the starting point. In order to avoid methodological issues and at the same time to enable the comparison of the three denominational families, the author employs a common schema of discussing the assumptions: a. understanding of faith; b. recognition and concept of God; c. criteria of theological reflection. Such a manner of solving the problem reveals the extent to which these major Christian families emphasise abilities of reason in the act of faith. The outcome o f the critical analysis and of the comparison of statements o f the selected confessions is typology, which reveals the amount of rationality of the denominational families herein.