>> And sure you can combine the exercise of reason with the exercise of faith.
Reason is definitively subordinate to Faith.
That is true enough. You have to believe in something before you can reason about that something.
In my own spiritual climb back to the classical biblical dimensions of gospel, which has transcended a lot of traditional Christian boundaries, reason has played a great part. This is true, and this other thing is true, therefore that is true. And God said “Come let us reason together.” God provided for forgiveness of sin and it is spectacularly unwise to not accept it!
Reason is definitively subordinate to Faith.
I have to disagree. Pascal's wager may be the reason that a person initiates a search for God. Later this is reinforced by the use of logic and reason in determining the best course for that person.
Note I am not saying this is true in most or even all cases. I am saying it is one possible path.