June 10, 2009. In his general audience address, Benedict XVI talked about renaissance philosopher, John Scotus Erigena, who wrote on authority and reason—a theme the pope says continues to be relevant to contemporary theologians.


Benedict XVI
“In reality, authentic authority is never in conflict with straight reason, which, likewise, can never contradict an authentic authority, as long as they both come from the same source which is divine wisdom. So we see the value of reason, fruit of the certainty that true authority is reasonable, because God creative reason.”

The pope highlighted the Sacred Scripture as an important source of discovering truth. He said man was not created for the Scripture, but rather the Scripture was created for man.

Benedict XVI
“The word of the Sacred Scripture purifies our reason when it’s sometimes blind. It reminds us of the image of God  we carry in our hearts even if damaged by sin.”

The pope said that truth is always source of happiness.

IAS