St. Thomas Aquinas's method of defending the Christian faith is a very logical, formal, direct approach. This approach has the benefit of being very clear and runs less of a risk of being misinterpreted. However, in the process of finding clarity and efficiency, his writing also gains somewhat of a predictable, robotic nature. It loses some of the mystery and beauty of writing, like what City of God by Augustine has. But for those people with very straightforward, logical minds, Aquinas's works are perfect. Claire DeMilia
I think that St. Thomas Aquinas's methods are very interesting. Especially in "Summa Contra Gentiles". You can see throughout this book every chapter has a logical question we are trying to answer. He make it very clear throughout what he is trying to convey to the reader. I think its good however it can be written a little better because this isn't for the average reader. Its very logical as well as formal. I think others who are trying to use this for their apologetic ideologies it will work but for whoever is just trying to read it a grasp it they are going to have a harder time reading it.
While his writings are very straightforward and aimed at the people who are good at deep-thinking, they wouldn't have been attractive to everyone at that time that this was written, and would probably leave a lot of people more confused than anything. Many people prefer the predictable writing style since they can figure how things are going to end and not be left trying to make sense of what is being told to them by themselves. This helped his writings to be clear, but not open to interpretation by those who don't have a clear understanding of what is being said in the text.
Aquinas's approach to truth, especially in the discussion of whether or not God exists, is very blunt compared to the roundabout discussions we have previously looked at. This can be a good thing, especially when we compare how he approaches logic and the very basics of nature to explain the existence of God in a very grounded method. This approach is very welcoming to those who require a logical explanation instead of a more fantastical explanation (Jesus rising from the dead, healing the sick and lame, etc). The weaknesses would be that this method can also turn a large amount of people away. As much as we would love to claim that people love logic and would rely solely on that if they could, there are people who want God to be perfect and all knowing, etc etc etc. In bluntly claiming that God created imperfect creations (especially in nature), people may become offended, as it outright claims to them that God made something imperfect. That he is flawed. Additionally, people want God to be spoken about in a sense of reverence. By speaking so plainly about whether or not he exists and why, it feels almost disrespectful to these people. But overall, it is a matter of how people feel. We know that people can get certain emotions about Christianity and this causes a divide within the religion (just look at all the branches of Christianity).
Thomas Aquinas presents a nuanced understanding of the relationship between human reason and the truth of faith. For those seeking a rational approach to life, Aquinas's discussion of how human reason can derive knowledge from sensible things that retain a likeness to God is particularly appealing. He notes that effects resemble their cause, and human reason can use this principle to understand the truth of faith, even if imperfectly. This rational framework for understanding faith appeals to the "head" by providing a logical and systematic approach to theological inquiry. At the same time, Aquinas's writing also speaks to the heart, particularly in his acknowledgment of the limitations of human understanding. He notes that our view of sublime things is limited and weak, yet it is still "most pleasant to be able to catch but a glimpse of them." This sentiment suggests that even in the face of uncertainty and imperfection, the pursuit of faith and understanding can be a source of joy and spiritual growth. By emphasizing the value of practicing the human mind in understanding faith, Aquinas encourages a deepening of one's faith, rather than mere intellectual comprehension. This balance of rational inquiry and spiritual humility appeals to the heart by encouraging a sense of awe, reverence, and spiritual growth, and highlights Aquinas's concern for both the intellectual and spiritual aspects of human nature.
St. Thomas Aquinas's method of defending the Christian faith is a very logical, formal, direct approach. This approach has the benefit of being very clear and runs less of a risk of being misinterpreted. However, in the process of finding clarity and efficiency, his writing also gains somewhat of a predictable, robotic nature. It loses some of the mystery and beauty of writing, like what City of God by Augustine has. But for those people with very straightforward, logical minds, Aquinas's works are perfect.
ReplyDeleteClaire DeMilia
I think that St. Thomas Aquinas's methods are very interesting. Especially in "Summa Contra Gentiles". You can see throughout this book every chapter has a logical question we are trying to answer. He make it very clear throughout what he is trying to convey to the reader. I think its good however it can be written a little better because this isn't for the average reader. Its very logical as well as formal. I think others who are trying to use this for their apologetic ideologies it will work but for whoever is just trying to read it a grasp it they are going to have a harder time reading it.
ReplyDeleteWhile his writings are very straightforward and aimed at the people who are good at deep-thinking, they wouldn't have been attractive to everyone at that time that this was written, and would probably leave a lot of people more confused than anything. Many people prefer the predictable writing style since they can figure how things are going to end and not be left trying to make sense of what is being told to them by themselves. This helped his writings to be clear, but not open to interpretation by those who don't have a clear understanding of what is being said in the text.
ReplyDeleteAquinas's approach to truth, especially in the discussion of whether or not God exists, is very blunt compared to the roundabout discussions we have previously looked at.
ReplyDeleteThis can be a good thing, especially when we compare how he approaches logic and the very basics of nature to explain the existence of God in a very grounded method. This approach is very welcoming to those who require a logical explanation instead of a more fantastical explanation (Jesus rising from the dead, healing the sick and lame, etc).
The weaknesses would be that this method can also turn a large amount of people away. As much as we would love to claim that people love logic and would rely solely on that if they could, there are people who want God to be perfect and all knowing, etc etc etc. In bluntly claiming that God created imperfect creations (especially in nature), people may become offended, as it outright claims to them that God made something imperfect. That he is flawed.
Additionally, people want God to be spoken about in a sense of reverence. By speaking so plainly about whether or not he exists and why, it feels almost disrespectful to these people.
But overall, it is a matter of how people feel. We know that people can get certain emotions about Christianity and this causes a divide within the religion (just look at all the branches of Christianity).
Thomas Aquinas presents a nuanced understanding of the relationship between human reason and the truth of faith. For those seeking a rational approach to life, Aquinas's discussion of how human reason can derive knowledge from sensible things that retain a likeness to God is particularly appealing. He notes that effects resemble their cause, and human reason can use this principle to understand the truth of faith, even if imperfectly. This rational framework for understanding faith appeals to the "head" by providing a logical and systematic approach to theological inquiry.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, Aquinas's writing also speaks to the heart, particularly in his acknowledgment of the limitations of human understanding. He notes that our view of sublime things is limited and weak, yet it is still "most pleasant to be able to catch but a glimpse of them." This sentiment suggests that even in the face of uncertainty and imperfection, the pursuit of faith and understanding can be a source of joy and spiritual growth. By emphasizing the value of practicing the human mind in understanding faith, Aquinas encourages a deepening of one's faith, rather than mere intellectual comprehension. This balance of rational inquiry and spiritual humility appeals to the heart by encouraging a sense of awe, reverence, and spiritual growth, and highlights Aquinas's concern for both the intellectual and spiritual aspects of human nature.
Solomon Haile
Delete