Faith & Reason Unbound + Section Photos!

We have the New England Summer Program group and section photos — enjoy! 

And we also have the latest news on the programmers: Following up on Wednesday’s adventures, students are hitting the books again! Today began for most with Mass and breakfast, then the morning class in St. Gianna Hall.

There, the sections took on Genesis, chapters 10-25, which include the sacrifice of Isaac — a good preparation for the afternoon class, which discussed Fear and Trembling by the 19th century Danish philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard. In four different narratives, Kierkegaard explores the choice Abraham had to make: his only son, or God’s will? Central to the discussion was Kierkegaard’s concept of the “leap of faith,” which highlights Abraham as a paradoxical figure: a father of faith who obeys a command which defies human logic and moral reason.

Building from their reading of Sacred Scripture, students discussed the story of Abraham’s dilemma. Using the Discussion Method employed in the College’s classrooms, they wrestled with the tension between faith and reason, seeking to understand how the faith of Abraham does not stand in opposition to human reason. Slowly, the conversation became clearer, showing that faith does not reject reason but transcends it in moments where human understanding reaches its limit. 

Abraham’s obedience was not irrational but supra-rational, grounded in trust in God beyond what reason alone could justify. Through close reading and rich discussion, the seminar emphasized that true faith does not negate reason — rather, it fulfills it, pointing toward a higher order of truth — thus inviting students to consider how reason prepares the ground for faith’s courageous leap. And so, too, did the programmers leap with faith into this difficult text, rewarded with a discovery of truth.

After an afternoon well-spent, students gathered in groups to prepare for recreation and a thrifting trip for the girls, which you can catch up on tomorrow on the Summer Program Blog!