1.Proper first principles.
Clear thinking begins with clear first principles.Clear Christian thinking begins with clear Christian first principles. Do we begin our thinking about the world with a sacramental or a scientistic and materialistic set of principles?Do we understand humans as immortal beings or as mortal bits of larger “immortal” entities like nations and civilizations? Do we understand Divine Revelation as the firm basis for our knowledge of God? Do we see reason as a sure if limited guide to truth? And so on.
2.Understanding the connection between the mind and the will.
The Catholic intellect knows that how one lives makes a difference for how one thinks. Moral probity and intellectual integrity are closely related. Many philosophies and opinions are derived from previously chosen moral stances, often unacknowledged. A true education forms not only the intellect, but the will, and notes their connectedness.
3.Understanding the relationship between reason and faith.
Christianity is the religion of the Logos; reason has a place of great importance. But reason without
faith destroys itself and ends in dehumanizing man. The Catholic mind gives proper attention to both reason and faith, and understands that they do not contradict or exclude each other.
4.Excellence in work.
No slovenliness; no bland propaganda; no thinking by slogan; rather, a readiness to do hard work in the cause of understanding, and an insistence on giving an opponent a fair and sympathetic hearing. The Catholic intellect understands that its own activity is a participation in the mind of God, and keeps the highest standards for truth, accuracy, beauty and balance.
5.Asceticism.
Studiositas, not curiositas. Simplicity of gaze is crucial for understanding. The Catholic mind turns away from the roaring Niagara of sensual and intellectual distraction, and masters the habit of contemplation.
6.Delight in the tradition.
C. S. Lewis once recommended the reading of at least one old book for each new one, not because
the old ones were necessarily wiser or better, but because they would be based on assumptions very different from ours. The wakened mind scorns being a slave, especially being a slave to the tyranny of current intellectual fashions and assumptions. It is in sympathy with the best of every age.
7.Ad majorem Dei gloriam; In omnibus glorificetur Deus.
After all, we are not the point. All comes from God, all leads to God. At the most profound level we use our intellects not to gain power or to accomplish tasks, but to delight our Maker. His delight spills back upon us, and catches us up into the bracing adventure of the intellectual life.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Rom 12:2).
Father Michael Keating
