Head And Heart: The Role of Reason and Emotion in the Gift of Faith

by Guillaume Bignon

There has long been a debate over whether the intellect has a priority over the emotions or vice versa when it comes to one's faith.   Becoming a Christian involves at least some change of mind, but arguably demands a whole lot more, including a change of heart. Is faith in Christ a rational decision? Is it then only a rational decision? What role do arguments and reasons play in coming to faith and persisting in it, and what is the place of emotions in the Christian life? This lecture will explore the relationship between mind and heart for the Christian: love? hate? or "it's complicated?"