Lesson 1 · Ages 13–18
Why Believe? Faith and Reason
Faith is a free, personal response to God who reveals himself, and it never contradicts true reason.
Every person asks big questions: Why am I here? What happens after death? What makes a life good? The Church teaches that these questions are a sign that we are made for God. “The desire for God is written in the human heart” (CCC 27).
Reason can know that God exists. Looking at the order and beauty of creation, and at our own conscience and longing for truth, human reason can come to know God (CCC 31–36).
Faith goes further. God has spoken to us, through the prophets and fully in Jesus Christ. Faith is our free, personal “yes” to God who reveals himself. It is a gift of grace, and also a real human act (CCC 150–155).
Faith is not anti-science. Many great scientists were believers; the “Big Bang” theory was first proposed by a Catholic priest, Fr Georges Lemaître. St John Paul II wrote that faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to contemplate truth.
Doubts and questions are normal. Bring them to God in prayer, and look for answers with people who know and live the faith.
Test yourself
Sources: CCC 26–27, 31–35, 142–159; St John Paul II, Fides et Ratio (1998).