Week 2 Homework (For October 8)

Reading Assignment:
Read Chapter 2 of Theology and Sanity, “Examination of Intellect”—pp. 30-44.

Summary:
In this chapter, Sheed takes a closer look at the intellect. He describes for us the role of the intellect in religion and then tells us of some of the intellect’s limitations. Some of these limitations are due to our bad habits; others are simply the natural limitations of the human mind. He concludes by cautioning us to be vigilant about staying intellectually fit.

Questions:
Once again, these questions are meant to help you understand the reading, not to exasperate you. If you find that you are dissatisfied with one of your answers, chances are others had similar difficulties. Make sure you mention any thing you need clarified when we go over these in class. Don’t be afraid—we’re all friends here and there’s no final…

1. What is the special function of the intellect in religion?

2. What must be “firmly put in its place” before the intellect can be trained?
Why is this so hard?

3. Define imagination. What is it limited to? Why?

4. What is spirit? What does it lack? What does it do?

5. What are some qualities of material things?

6. What are the three ways imagination interferes with intellect?

7. Explain in your own words the difference between the terms “inconceivable” and “unimaginable”.

8. Can God make an object so heavy He can’t lift it? Explain.

9. What is the first test of any statement concerning spiritual reality?

10. What about the nature of our minds is a “vastly more important limitation” than our imagination?

11. How does Sheed define Mystery?

12. What are three different approaches to dealing with the apparent contradictions in mysterious truths revealed by God?

Reflection Questions
1. On page 31 Sheed says, “...the plain truth about most of us is that we have let our intellects sink into a condition in which they do not have the muscles or the energy or the right habits for the job [of exploring reality], or any effective inclination toward it.” Do you agree with him? Why or why not? If you think he’s right about you, what resolution(s) can you make to improve your intellectual fitness?

2. Reread the first paragraph of section iii. Have you ever had your faith shattered in the way he describes?