The question of the co-existence between rationalism and religion has been argued by many philosophers, such as Descartes. The compatibility between rationalism and religion has brought up many different ideas and thoughts. I do not think that both can be compatible.

In English, the word rationalism derives from the Latin word ratio, which means reason. We define rationalism as a system of though that emphasizes the role of reason in obtaining knowledge. When we associate rationalism and religion together we claim that the fundamental principles of religion are self-evident and that revelation is not necessary. I do not think that any religion is a religion without its revelation. When we think back on every religion's history, we find a "book" that basically paves the path for the religion's followers. If we did believe that the principles are innate then we would have no common understanding of what the essence of religion is. As I mediate the question of compatibility, I will dissect my own religion, the religion of Islam, as well as rational views on God.

In Islam, the religion does not allow one to ask questions about the religion. Therefore, any rationalist view of th

The existence of God is a question that has no definite answer. Descartes, a philosopher, who also explored this question, had his own opinions. He thought that since he is subject to doubt, he is imperfect. Hence, he is not the cause of existence. I agree, since there is religion, there is an existence of God. But I disagree on how this thought was derived. The existence of God is the foundation of all religions.

There will never be compatibility between rationalism and religion as long as we have the "physical believer." Those who question the unanswerable will never ameliorate the intervening of the rationalist thought and the teachings of a religion. It is like an ongoing question, a point will be made and then another question will arise from that point. In my opinion, I feel that the rationalist thought is wrong, as I tried to present in the religion of Islam. As for the existence of God, I can only state from what I know and have been thought, that He is existent, being told from His words in the Koran. I can see where a philosopher such as Descartes, can perceive his views, I just can not agree fully with them. I see a big difference in those who "doubt" and in those who question in terms of rationalistic ways of thinking. Those who "doubt" do not believe, and those who question do not understand. Those who do not understand, derive a system of though to complicate what they don't understand. I am convinced that rationalism and religion are not compatible. I am not sure why?

I derive the existence of God by his words that come from the Koran or the Bible. If we have religion that guides us, than that path is the one created by God. I think th

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