Thomas Aquinas And The Existence Of God
A. For Thomas philosophy is ancilla theologiae (handmaiden of theology). Aquinas was first and foremost a theologian, though he was quite capable of distinguishing philosophy proper from theology. He held that
(1) philosophy can prove by means of reason unaided by revelation some truths proposed by Christian faith;
(2) it can clarify truths which cannot be proved; and (3) it can defend the principles of Christian faith against their detractors.
True philosophy cannot conflict with Christian faith but it can fall short of it--e.g., the existence of God as efficient cause of the universe can be established by reason alone, the full meaning of "God" can only come from faith.
Aquinas is not the only, but he is the most important, medieval thinker who tried to incorporate many of Aristotle's ideas into Christian philosophy. He goes as far towards accepting Aristotle's views as a Christian of his time could do. But there are some points on which even Thomas would have to depart from Aristotle: chief among them (i) Aristotle's view that the universe is everlasting and (ii) Aristotle's rejection of individual immortality. …show more content…
Christian PHILOSOPHY: Philosophy as Thomas understands it depends on this: that there is a natural world; that its substantial components regularly exercise their own causal powers; that there are intelligent beings capable of understanding the natural world by their own mental powers.
C. CHRISTIAN philosophy: Christian philosophy for Thomas depends on this: that the world of creatures is totally based--for its existence, endurance and operation--upon God, who freely creates, conserves and cooperates with what He has created.
(1) philosophy can prove by means of reason unaided by revelation some truths proposed by Christian faith;
(2) it can clarify truths which cannot be proved; and (3) it can defend the principles of Christian faith against their detractors.
True philosophy cannot conflict with Christian faith but it can fall short of it--e.g., the existence of God as efficient cause of the universe can be established by reason alone, the full meaning of "God" can only come from faith.
Aquinas is not the only, but he is the most important, medieval thinker who tried to incorporate many of Aristotle's ideas into Christian philosophy. He goes as far towards accepting Aristotle's views as a Christian of his time could do. But there are some points on which even Thomas would have to depart from Aristotle: chief among them (i) Aristotle's view that the universe is everlasting and (ii) Aristotle's rejection of individual immortality. …show more content…
Christian PHILOSOPHY: Philosophy as Thomas understands it depends on this: that there is a natural world; that its substantial components regularly exercise their own causal powers; that there are intelligent beings capable of understanding the natural world by their own mental powers.
C. CHRISTIAN philosophy: Christian philosophy for Thomas depends on this: that the world of creatures is totally based--for its existence, endurance and operation--upon God, who freely creates, conserves and cooperates with what He has created.