Augustine Quote by Donna Woolfolk Cross
“Is it not lack of faith that leads men to fear the scrutiny of reason? If the destination is doubtful, than the path must be fraught with fear. A robust faith need not fear, for if God exists, then reason cannot help but lead us to Him. Cogito, ergo Deus est,'says St. Augustine, I think, therefore God is.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, attributed to St. Augustine (c. 5th century)
Faith and reason are presented as mutually reinforcing; lacking faith breeds fear of rational scrutiny, while true faith eliminates that fear because reason ultimately points to God.
In simple terms: Faith removes fear of reason.
Key Takeaway
Embrace faith to overcome fear of rational doubt.
Themes
faith
reason
fear
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- existential doubt
- religious conversion
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you fear rational examination?
- How does faith shape your view of reason?
A Different Perspective
The claim assumes belief in God; non‑believers may not find reason comforting.
![“Again, I hear almost everyday from atheists who write off religion as primitive, premodern nonsense. I summon Aquinas, Augustine, Paul [of Tarsus], Teresa of Avila, Joseph Ratzinger, and Edith Stein-in all their intellectual rigor-as allies in the the struggle against this dismissive atheism.” quote by Robert Barron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/86d/robert-barron-13186_allies_again-i-hear-almost-everyday-from-atheis_35728.jpg)
