Philosophical truth consists in true concepts concerning the manifestation of the ultimate in the universe. The truth of faith consists in true symbols concerning our existential relation to the ultimate.

Now here we are in the center of the problem. The relation between these two is the problem with which we have to deal; the relation between these two is the problem which has always been discussed. The first question you will probably raise is, “Why does philosophy use concepts, and why does faith use symbols, if both try to express the same ultimate?” The answer is, “The difference of the relation to the ultimate.” In the case of philosophy, the relation is detached description of the basic structure in which the ultimate manifests itself in the universe; in the case of faith, it is the involved expression of our concern of the meaning of ultimate reality for us.

Some of you have read or know Luther'sⁿ catechisms. In Luther's catechisms, there is always the phrase “for you,” and he says the “for you” demands faithful hearts. Now this can lead us to the difference. In the moment in which the relationship has a “for you” character, it becomes existential. And then we are in the realm of faith, and it is a matter of decision, of daring, of risk, of doubt, but not of detached description. The philosopher, as a philosopher, gives a detached description. He speaks of essential and existential being, he speaks of being and becoming, dynamics and form, world and self. He speaks, with Aristotle,^q of matter and form, of entelechaia, etc.;