Reasons people find belief in the Catholic faith reasonable are termed motives of credibility. These are not proofs of the faith itself, but rather indicators that the claims of the Church warrant serious consideration. Miracles, fulfilled prophecies, the Church’s sublime teaching, its holiness, its fruitfulness, and its stability are typical examples.
The importance of examining these factors lies in their capacity to demonstrate that assenting to Catholic doctrine is a rational act, not one based solely on blind faith. Historically, such considerations have played a significant role in conversions and in fostering a deeper understanding of the foundations upon which Catholic teachings rest. Furthermore, they provide a basis for defending the reasonableness of religious belief in a world that often prioritizes empirical evidence.
