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Systematic theology

Faith and Reason: Insight from John Paul II and Maurice Blondel Toward a New Apologetics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52097/wpt.9418  [Google Scholar]
Published: 2026-04-30

Abstract

This article aims to explore the potential for a renewed apologetics, inspired by St. John Paul II and Maurice Blondel, particularly their insight into the dynamic relationship between faith and reason. Traditional apologetics often prioritizes rational arguments, and personal witness is marginalized. This approach is no longer to satisfy the modern world’s existential and spiritual concerns. Facing this situation, both John Paul II and Blondel try to envision a new apologetics that integrates lived experience, personal testimony, and existential involvement, fostering a deeper dialogue between theology and philosophy. Following this fil rouge, the first part of this article will analyze Fides et Ratio, where John Paul II presents faith and reason not as opposing forces but as two complementary ways in the quest for the truth. The second part will discuss Blondel’s philosophy, especially his concept of “supernatural immanence”– the presence of God within the natural – emerges as a powerful concept for rethinking how we approach apologetics today. The final part tries to propose a renewed apologetics – the anthropological-revelatory apologetics, grounded on the convergence of John Paul II and Blondel. It unites rational discourse with transformative personal witness – one that is especially relevant in addressing contemporary issues such as secularism and nihilism.

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