Full Idea
I believe because it is absurd ('Credo quia absurdum est').
Gist of Idea
I believe because it is absurd
Source
Tertullian (works [c.200]), quoted by Robert Fogelin - Walking the Tightrope of Reason n4.2
Book Reference
Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.181
A Reaction
This seems to be a rather desperate remark, in response to what must have been rather good hostile arguments. No one would abandon the support of reason if it was easy to acquire. You can't deny its engaging romantic defiance, though.
Related Idea
Idea 20269 'I believe because it is absurd' - but how about 'I believe because I am absurd' [Nietzsche]