Exploring Religion Through Giussani and Aquinas

Religious Sense

Innate human longing for truth and meaning.

Fr. Luigi Giussani

Theologian who framed religion as a personal quest.

Thomas Aquinas

Philosopher known for integrating faith and reason.

Five Ways

Aquinas' arguments for God's existence.

Fifth Way

Teleological argument for God's existence based on order.

Hypothesis of Revelation

Divine answers to human questions beyond reason.

Christianity

Event fulfilling the religious sense through Jesus Christ.

Intelligent Cause

Entity guiding non-intelligent beings towards goals.

Teleological Argument

Infers God's existence from observed purpose in nature.

Natural Theology

Study of God based on reason and observation.

Empirical Observation

Gathering evidence through sensory experience.

Logical Reasoning

Using structured thought to draw conclusions.

Skepticism

Doubt regarding religious claims and beliefs.

Curiosity

Desire to explore and understand religious questions.

Design Argument

Belief that universe shows signs of intelligent design.

Existential Meaning

Significance derived from understanding life's purpose.

Human Experience

Foundation for understanding religious questions.

Order in Nature

Consistent patterns suggesting a guiding intelligence.

Scientific Experiment

Method of testing hypotheses through observation.

Verification

Process of confirming the truth of a claim.

Encounter with Christ

Personal experience that tests the hypothesis of revelation.

Subjective Belief

Personal conviction not grounded in objective evidence.

Rational Inquiry

Seeking knowledge through logical examination.

Religious Questions

Inquiries about existence, purpose, and the divine.

Fulfillment of Desires

Meeting deep human longings through religious experience.

Intellectual Credibility

Religion's ability to withstand logical scrutiny.