Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Rationalization (Lat. rationalis, from ratio, reason) A psychological term to describe the mind’s fabrication of rational argument to justify conduct of which one is really ashamed. — L.W. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

rationalism (Latin: ratio, reason) (1) A particular moment in the development oj Protestant theology in Germany. (2) Usually, the doctrine that human reason is the sole source and the final test of all truth. In this sense rationalism denies the supernatural character of Revelation, and affirms that all religious truths are derived from human reason … Continue reading “Rationalism”

rationale (1) An Episcopal humeral, counterpart of the pallium, worn by certain German bishops in the Middle Ages, somewhat like the ephod of the Jewish high-priest. (2) Episcopal clasp of precious metal ornamented with diamonds worn over chasuble, like the breast ornament of Aaron. Not long nor widely in use. Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary Rationale … Continue reading “Rationale”

Rational Psychology A speculitive and metaphvsical treatment of the soul, its faculties and its immortality in contrast to a descriptive, empirical psychology. — L.W. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

Ratiocination (Lat. ratiocinatio, reasoning) Discursive reasoning, the third act of the intellect in the Aristotelian theory of knowledge, a process of intellectual demonstration involving the use of three terms. — V.J.B. Fuente: The Dictionary of Philosophy

ratio studiorum (Latin: ratio, method; studium, study) Term commonly used to designate the educational system of the Jesuits; an abbreviation of the official title Ratio atque Institutio Studiorum Societatis Jesu. It was formulated during the years 1584 to 1599 by representative Jesuits from various parts of Europe, who drew upon the salient features in the … Continue reading “Ratio Studiorum”

Ratio According to St. Augustine, reason is the mind’s capacity of distinguishing and connecting the things that are learned. Ratio est mentis motio ea quae discuntur distinguendi et connectendi potens. He also calls it an aspectus animi, quo per seipsum, non per corpus verum intuetur. It precedes the exercise of the intellectual capacity. He says … Continue reading “Ratio”

Ratification is, in the Book of Common Prayer, used to indicate the act of confirming and sanctioning something previously done by another, as in assuming the obligations of baptism at the reception of confirmation. Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Ratier, Vincent a French preacher of note, was born in 1634. At sixteen years of age he entered the Order of the Dominicans, and in 1694 wvas made superiorgeneral of the order in France. He resigned this position in 1698, and died near the opening of the 18th century, greatly respected on account of his … Continue reading “Ratier, Vincent”

Ratich, Wolfgang a distinguished German educator, was born in 1571, at Wilsten, in Holstein. A difficulty in speech compelled him to give up the ministry, for which he had intended fitting himself; and he applied himself to the study of the Hebrew and Arabic languages and mathematics. He claimed to be the inventor of a … Continue reading “Ratich, Wolfgang”