I hate to be Biblical, but this week's reading left me with a very interesting thought problem. The quote was made by an Apostle to Jesus, saying "I believe and know." As I begin my study of law, this statement presents an interesting case.

1. Does it belief matter in order to know?
2. Does it knowing matter in order to believe?
3. Can it be "believe or know"? Does one exclude the other?

Case #1 -- Belief as a precondition for knowing
I do not think you need to believe in order to know. Belief implies some sort of incorporation into your world view.

Case #2 -- Knowing as a precondition for belief
This is the essential element of faith, to believe without necessarily having proof of what you believe in.

Case #3 -- "Believe or Know"
You can believe or know, however it seems like a stronger statement if you can say "I believe and know."