Section 77

The philosophers did not know how to answer and looked about in confusion. Antony smiled and, again speaking through an interpreter, said:

“The very sight of these things carries its own proof. But since you prefer demonstrative arguments and, because you practice this art, insist that we too should not worship God without such demonstrations, tell me first: how do we gain an accurate knowledge of realities in general, and especially knowledge of God? Is it through logical demonstration, or through the effective working of faith? Which is better: faith at work, or demonstration through arguments?”

They answered that faith at work was better and that this was true knowledge.

Antony said: “You have answered correctly. Faith arises from the disposition of the soul, while dialectical argument depends upon the skill of those who construct it. Therefore, for those in whom the working of faith is present, argumentative demonstration is unnecessary—and perhaps even superfluous.

“What we know through faith, you attempt to establish through words, and often you are unable even to express what we understand. So the working of faith is better and stronger than your carefully constructed arguments.