The Larger Vision of Reason

Michael Novak (via Instapundit) writes that the main topic of Pope Benedict's recent speech in Regensburg was the crucial role of reason. In particular, Mr. Novak notes that the Pope:

...told secularists, who define reason solely as science and limit it to empirical knowledge, that their grasp of reason does them an injustice by its narrowness. This tunnel vision cuts them off from many forms of human understanding and insight. It also prevents them from having reasoned conversation with the vast majority of the world's people who are religious.

[The impediment to having a reasoned discussion with assorted religionists is the secular people's narrowness and tunnel vision? Pardon me while I recover from a, oh so delicate and demure, snort.]

...

He wanted to invite secularists to recognize that we are entering an age in which they can no longer pretend to be the only "enlightened" ones. They must open themselves to a larger vision of reason in order to use reason well in conversing with others all around them.

[Spot on! Them "secularists" and their enlightenment pretenses.]

Using the example of the Virgin Birth (hey, I had to pick something Ob/Gyn-related), let me see if I understand how this larger vision of reason works.

If, based on observable and reproducible evidence, we reason that the Virgin Birth is a case of fetus-in-fetu, we're not using reason well. To truly, you know, reason well, we must consult our inner thetan, or factor in the action of various noodly appendages. Then, and only then, will we be able not only to offer a reasoned explanation of the Virgin Birth, but also to reasonably converse with anybody who'd [still] listen to us. Is that it?