Dichotomy or Dialectic Sutras on the Faith-Reason Dilemma

Abstract

Perceiving faith and reason as binary opposites rather than as tw·o alternate ways in our quest for truth is more typical of Western thought, where this readily leads to an impassable divide, as between fid eism and rationa lism. 'What has Athens got to do with J erusalem?' asked Tertullian at the beginning of the Christian era wh en confronted with Greek philosophy! But if believers would privilege faith, rationalist would reverse the hierarchy, and never the twain would meet!