Religious Rationality; Levels and Virtues

The question of religious rationality is to ask of logical coherency of religious beliefs system. In this case, first it should be emphasized on rationality of human’s needing to religion, since human’s ontological and epistemological restrictions and his/her needing to immortality, and the role of religion for replying his/her fundamental requirements, explains such rationality. By considering plurality of theoretical, practical and instrumental rationalities that have latitudinal and longitudinal relations, we can speak of variety of religious rationality in theoretical, practical and instrumental forms. On the other hand, plurality of religious system of teachings in three realms of beliefs, morality and religious acts makes possible to speak of religious rationality in each of these realms. Concerning beliefs, we can discuss on the level of rationality of fundamental, intermediate and marginal beliefs which have gradual ontological and epistemological relations. In this level, the rationality of fundamental beliefs is in the highest stage, and then intermediate and finally marginal beliefs have less rationality. In morality, by considering the role of religion in its totality, it is possible to take into account such role in the form of theoretical rationality, for increasing the meaning of foundation and principles of morality, and in the form of practical rationality for determining required frameworks and adequate warranty for moral acts. Religious rationality concerning religious acts is related to this fact that most part of religion consists of social, political, economic and worshiping acts and judgments which indicate social and functional aspect of religion, and justifies its practical and instrumental rationality. Consequently religious rationality is a gradual and plural reality and has different levels, virtues and functions.