'Faith' is often defined as belief in a supernatural God that transcends reason ' and belief that science can only go so far to explain the fundamental mysteries of life. Reason, meanwhile, means inquiry that draws on logic and deductive reasoning. Maimonides' full name was Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon, and he is often referred to by the abbreviation 'Rambam.' His writings spurred centuries of conflict and were even banned in some Jewish communities. Yet he also penned one of the most famous guides to Jewish law and still stands as one of the most influential rabbis to have ever lived. It is surprising for many students to learn that Maimonides, who lived in present-day Spain, Morocco and Egypt, embraced reason as the only way to make sense of faith. In this rabbi's view, the idea of a battle between faith and reason sets boundaries where none need exist. Treating faith and reason as if they are at odds is nothing new. Some philosophers have described them as two different cities, as when...
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