The nature and purpose of reason in Christian theology: The 1952 exchange between Thomas F. Torrance and Brand Blanshard

Abstract

This paper argues that the correspondence between T. F. Torrance and the philosopher Brand Blanshard is an under-utilized resource in understanding Torrance’s view of the nature and purpose of reason in Christian theology. It argues that perspectives from an earlier point in Torrance’s thought (1938–49) converge in these documents, and traces how the emphases from the letters develop in his mature thought, arguing that there is a fundamental continuity in Torrance’s position on reason throughout his career. At the same time however, there is significant development in the epistemological and theological sophistication with which he holds these convictions. The paper concludes that, for Torrance, reason is subordinate to reality and its purpose is to facilitate the conforming of the mind to that reality.