Imprimis Podcast Summary: “Faith and Reason are Mutually Reinforcing”

Episode Title: From the Archives | “Faith and reason are mutually reinforcing”
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host/Author: Hillsdale College
Speaker: Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, United States Supreme Court
Transcript Provided: November 2019 issue of Imprimis

Introduction

In the August 12, 2025 episode of Imprimis, Hillsdale College revisits a profound speech originally delivered in November 2019 by Associate Justice Clarence Thomas of the United States Supreme Court. Titled “Faith and Reason are Mutually Reinforcing,” Justice Thomas articulates the enduring significance of Christ's Chapel at Hillsdale College and explores the symbiotic relationship between faith and intellectual pursuit.

Dedication of Christ's Chapel

Justice Thomas opens his address by commemorating the 175th anniversary of Hillsdale College and the dedication of Christ's Chapel. He emphasizes the chapel’s architectural grandeur as a "culmination of years of generosity, planning, and hard work" (00:05). The chapel is portrayed not merely as a building but as a tangible manifestation of divine transcendence, sovereignty, and grace. Thomas asserts, “the chapel's enduring beauty highlights the transcendence, the sovereignty and the grace of God” (00:05), underscoring how architectural design can inspire reverence for the divine.

Purpose and Significance of the Chapel

Delving into the chapel’s purpose, Justice Thomas explains that it serves as a sanctuary where individuals can seek "sacred stillness" away from the chaos of everyday life (00:05). He references the biblical account of Elijah on Mount Horeb to illustrate that encounters with God often occur in moments of quietness rather than turmoil. “When you enter a church, it is if you are entering through a gateway from the profane toward the sacred” (00:05), he remarks, highlighting the chapel’s role in facilitating divine encounters and inner peace.

Faith and Reason: A Mutual Reinforcement

A central theme of Justice Thomas’s speech is the harmonious relationship between faith and reason. He declares, “faith and reason are mutually reinforcing” (00:05), positioning the construction of Christ's Chapel as a bold affirmation of this principle. Thomas contends that acknowledging the divine enhances both intellectual rigor and the pursuit of knowledge, thereby fostering a robust democratic society. This synergy is essential for the cultivation of wisdom and insight, as encapsulated in the Proverbs reference: “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (00:05).

Historical Context and the Role of Religion in Education

Justice Thomas provides a historical perspective on the evolution of religious instruction in higher education. He notes that since the early 1900s, many elite institutions have grappled with the relevance of faith on campus, often viewing chapels as remnants of a bygone era. By constructing Christ's Chapel in 2019, Hillsdale College differentiates itself, reaffirming the importance of its Christian foundations. “Christ Chapel reflects the college's conviction that a vibrant intellectual environment and a strong democratic society are fostered, not hindered, by a recognition of the divine” (00:05).

Liberty and Religious Conviction

Justice Thomas underscores the indispensable role of religious conviction in preserving liberty. Citing John Adams, he states, “our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other” (00:05). This assertion aligns with his belief that moral and religious principles provide the necessary “guardrails” against the potential descent into mob rule and the erosion of objective truth. He echoes Ronald Reagan’s sentiment that “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction” (00:05), urging each generation to actively defend and transmit the values that sustain liberty.

Hillsdale College’s Mission and Vision

Concluding his speech, Justice Thomas highlights Hillsdale College's commitment to civil and religious liberty. He articulates that the institution’s mission is to equip students with both intellectual and spiritual tools necessary for leadership that honors God. “Thus, Hillsdale College was founded on the understanding that the battle to preserve and promote freedom in our country will be waged in the hearts and minds of the people” (00:05). The chapel, therefore, is envisioned as more than an impressive edifice; it is a "house of worship, of prayer, of meditation, and of celebration before God" (00:05), serving as a beacon for fostering hope, healing, and the discernment of calling among future leaders.

Conclusion

Justice Clarence Thomas’s speech in the Imprimis podcast encapsulates a profound vision where faith and reason coalesce to uphold and advance the foundational principles of liberty and wisdom. The dedication of Christ's Chapel stands as a testament to Hillsdale College’s enduring commitment to integrating spiritual and intellectual pursuits, ensuring that future generations continue to honor and defend the blessings of freedom.

Notable Quotes:

• “The chapel's enduring beauty highlights the transcendence, the sovereignty and the grace of God.” — Justice Clarence Thomas (00:05)
• “When you enter a church, it is if you are entering through a gateway from the profane toward the sacred.” — Justice Clarence Thomas (00:05)
• “Faith and reason are mutually reinforcing.” — Justice Clarence Thomas (00:05)
• “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” — Justice Clarence Thomas (00:05)
• “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” — Justice Clarence Thomas (00:05)

Note: Timestamps refer to the point in the transcript where the quotes appear.