also I wanted to clarify that I support Ahmed Ibn Hanbal’s position and sacrifice during the Mihna.
however his position is often misunderstood.
he never claimed the Quran was UNcreated.
he only refused to affirm it WAS created.
it is a subtle difference, as we might assume according to ‘Reason’ that his position implies he believes the former.
his position is only that he doesnt want to speak about God what he does not know.
and for this he was persecuted.
my understanding is that we CANNOT know anything about God unless He tells us.
ie I believe reason can only ever speculate about God, His intentions, His likes/dislikes and purpose for us.
in other words, I totally discount Natural Theology while strictly affirming Revealed Theology.
Fyi Catholics believe in Natural Theology (learning about God from the Natural world)