Theology Gaming Posts

What is assent? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is to “agree to something especially after thoughtful consideration.”¹ This doesn’t quite encapsulate what assent is, from a philosophical position. In general, to assent to an idea/belief, specifically, means to accept such an idea based on logical and rational reasoning – not simply “thinking hard”. Since, as it is probably clear to say, there is no way to completely, once and for all, prove something as a fact, assent is a constant factor in human life. Every day, human beings assent to certain beliefs without conscious knowledge through our various faculties. How does one explain such an odd phenomenon?

Philosophers and theologians have attempted to deal with this issue, especially in reference to religious beliefs. John Locke and John Henry Newman are the two most prominent philosophers who directly discussed “assent.” Each has a thorough examination of why persons accept certain beliefs, however logical or “illogical” these might appear. However, as befitting an empiricist like Locke and a cardinal like Newman, their definitions are dry and technical, depriving such decisions of their basic and integral humanity.The reduction of assent to a scientific formula reduces its meaning and complexity, rendering it an empty shell.