What does the motto “faith seeking understanding” mean?
Faith Seeking Understanding: A Graduate-Level Exploration in Baptist Theology
The phrase “faith seeking understanding” is a classical definition of theology that reflects the Christian desire to know and love God more deeply. Originating from the Latin fides quaerens intellectum, the motto embodies the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom that arises from a foundation of faith in God as revealed in Jesus Christ. This concept is not merely an intellectual exercise but an act of worship, where the heart and mind work together to glorify God.
Origins of the Motto
The phrase was first popularized by Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109), a monk, theologian, and Archbishop of Canterbury, in his work Proslogion. Anselm’s approach to theology emphasized that faith is the starting point of understanding, but it also necessitates reason to explore and comprehend the truths of God. Anselm saw faith as dynamic, propelling believers into a deeper search for knowledge about God and His ways.
Before Anselm, Augustine of Hippo (AD 354–430) expressed a similar idea in the Latin phrase crede ut intelligas, meaning “believe that you may understand.” Augustine taught that faith and knowledge are intertwined: faith initiates a relationship with God, but understanding strengthens and deepens that relationship. Faith, for both Augustine and Anselm, is not blind or irrational; rather, it is a confident trust in God that seeks clarity, coherence, and fuller comprehension.
Theological Implications of "Faith Seeking Understanding"
1. Faith as the Foundation of Knowledge
The principle of faith seeking understanding asserts that a relationship with God begins with faith. Faith, defined biblically, is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV). It is a gift from God, as Paul explains in Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Faith establishes the believer’s trust in God’s revelation and sets in motion a desire to understand Him more fully.
Faith does not negate reason; rather, it welcomes it. The Bible commands believers to love the Lord with all their minds: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37, NKJV). This intellectual engagement is part of a holistic response to God’s self-revelation.
2. Understanding as the Fruit of Faith
Faith leads to understanding. Jesus demonstrated this principle when He opened the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures: “And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45, NKJV). The knowledge gained through faith is not merely academic but relational. It draws believers into deeper fellowship with God, as the apostle John states: “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20, NKJV).
Understanding also strengthens the believer’s confidence in God’s promises. Paul expresses this in Romans 10:17: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Faith and understanding are inseparable; faith motivates the search for truth, and understanding enriches faith.
3. Faith Seeking Joy in God
For Anselm, the pursuit of understanding was not merely an intellectual endeavor but an act of worship. In Proslogion, he prayed, “I pray, O God, let me know You and love You so that I may rejoice in You.” This perspective aligns with the biblical view that knowing God leads to joy and eternal life: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3, NKJV).
Misconceptions About "Faith Seeking Understanding"
There are two common misunderstandings of Anselm’s motto that merit clarification:
1. Faith Does Not Replace Understanding
Some critics argue that faith seeking understanding implies a blind, unquestioning faith. However, Anselm never intended faith to replace understanding. Rather, he emphasized that faith is the foundation from which understanding grows. The process of seeking understanding is part of a believer’s sanctification, as they are transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2). The pursuit of understanding is an act of obedience to God’s command to study and rightly divide His Word (2 Timothy 2:15).
2. Faith Is Not Limited to Believers Alone
Another misconception is that Anselm’s motto applies only to those who already have faith. While the phrase begins with faith, Anselm believed that reason and evidence could also persuade non-believers of God’s existence and lead them toward faith. In his work Monologion, Anselm stated that even a moderately intelligent person could use reason to discern the reality of God’s nature and attributes: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 14:1, NKJV).
Practical Application of "Faith Seeking Understanding"
In Baptist theology, faith seeking understanding emphasizes the importance of studying Scripture to grow in knowledge and maturity. The principle has several practical applications:
Biblical Study and Hermeneutics: Baptists prioritize personal and corporate study of Scripture, as all understanding of God must align with His Word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV).
Discipleship and Teaching: The motto undergirds the Baptist commitment to teaching and discipleship. Pastors and teachers are called to equip the saints for ministry by helping them grow in their knowledge of God (Ephesians 4:11–13).
Apologetics and Evangelism: Understanding the faith strengthens believers in defending the truth and sharing the gospel with clarity. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV).
Worship and Devotion: Theology fuels doxology. As believers grow in their understanding of God’s character and works, their worship deepens. “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33, NKJV).
Conclusion
The motto “faith seeking understanding” encapsulates the Christian journey—a life lived in pursuit of knowing, loving, and glorifying God. Faith is the starting point, and understanding deepens that faith, enabling believers to fulfill their calling to live for God’s glory. As Paul prayed for the church, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened” (Ephesians 1:17–18, NKJV). Theology, then, is not merely academic—it is the worshipful pursuit of the One who first loved us.
