The concept of Reasonable being in Christianity
Reasonable being, as defined by the Catholic Church and Early Christianity, encompasses several interpretations. It describes demons as rational yet flawed entities driven by passions. It also emphasizes humans as rational creatures capable of understanding divine truths and engaging with the Logos for moral guidance. Furthermore, it portrays a community of reasonable beings united by shared loves and acknowledges humanity's capacity for thought and discernment, aligning them with the divine image of God.
Synonyms: Sensible creature, Rational creature
In German: Vernünftiges Wesen; In Malay: Makhluk yang munasabah; In Dutch: Redelijk wezen; In Finnish: Järkevä olemus; In Swedish: Rimligt väsen; In Spanish: Ser razonable; In French: Être raisonnable
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Reasonable being'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Beings that exist are characterized by many forms, some are the first, some the second, some the third, and so on to the last, implying a hierarchical structure.[1] (2) This describes a person who possesses the ability to think, understand, and make judgments based on logic and reason, and is considered a neighbor.[2] (3) This phrase is used in the text to discuss the concept of blessedness and the highest life, and whether they are an inherent part of it.[3] (4) These are the different forms of existence that the first and last, as well as the beginning and the end, are referred to in the text provided.[4] (5) Refers to humanity as beings capable of thought and discernment, capable of recognizing the presence of the Word among them.[5]
From: The city of God
(1) Demons are considered reasonable beings, but their minds are not imbued with virtue, and they are subject to passions like foolish men.[6] (2) The text defines a people as an assemblage of reasonable beings bound together by a common agreement as to the objects of their love, to discover the character of any people.[7]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) An entity capable of thought and rationality, asserting that it is reasonable to believe in God's perfection of human nature.[8]