High Medieval Western Theology

Western Theology How can we describe the intellectual trends of the age? How can we describe the intellectual trends of the age? How can we explain the particular approaches of the theologians discussed today? How can we explain the particular approaches of the theologians discussed today?

Western Theology The University –Organizations of masters and students –Specialization –Significant mendicant presence

Western Theology The University –Students received clerical status –Latin –Focus of lectio: ancient authorities

Western Theology Aristotle ( BC) –“The Philosopher” –Known for “scientific” world view, misogyny –Aristotelian revival Logical works already known in the West Other writings reached West through Muslim, Jewish scholars Latin translations

Western Theology Scholasticism –Aristotelian logic used to explain, reconcile all knowledge (“scientific” model of theology) –Reason and faith are harmonious –Mind derives ideas from data given to it by senses –Tools: dialectic, syllogisms

Western Theology Questions?

Western Theology Anselm of Canterbury ( ) –Solved theological problems through reason –God’s nature and attributes Text: Proslogion ( ) Ontological argument: God is “that than which no greater can be conceived” –Redemption Text: Why the God-man? ( ) Incarnation necessary to make satisfaction to God

Western Theology St. Anselm College, Goffstown, New Hampshire

Western Theology Peter Abelard ( ) –Canon, teacher in Paris –Enjoyed romantic relationship with Héloïse  disaster! –Became a monk, established Paraclete near Troyes Abelard and Héloïse

Western Theology Abelard the Theologian –Unorthodox Trinitarian doctrine? –Taught Christ’s example of God’s love moves us to love him  forgiveness –Sic et non ( ) Detected “contradicting” opinions in Christian texts Listed them over series of 168 questions Left it up to reader to resolve the contradictions –Pursued by Bernard, tried (1141)

Western Theology Thomas Aquinas ( ) –Born into nobility –Entered Dominican Order 1244 –Studied in Paris, Cologne ( ) –Taught at Paris, in Italy

Western Theology Aquinas the Scholastic –Sacra doctrina enshrines two kinds of truths Those that are supernatural (revelation) Those attained by human reason (philosophy) –Aristotelian philosophy a useful “handmaid” for Christian theology –Not an Aristotelian fundamentalist

Western Theology Aquinas’s Major Works –Summa against the Gentiles ( ) Apologetic Intended to help Dominicans convert unbelievers in Spain –Summa of Theology ( ) Handbook for beginners! Treats God, God’s acts, redemption, sacraments

Western Theology Bonaventure ( ) –Healed by St. Francis? (ca ) –Joined Franciscan Order 1243 –Student at University of Paris  doctorate 1253 –Minister general of Franciscan Order ( )

Western Theology Bonaventure’s Views –Hesitant about Aristotle –Knowledge comes from illumination of the Word –The Mind’s Journey into God (1259) Explains stages of contemplative ascent toward God Culminates in mystical gazing on God

Western Theology Questions?

Western Theology How can we describe the intellectual trends of the age? How can we describe the intellectual trends of the age? How can we explain the particular approaches of the theologians discussed today? How can we explain the particular approaches of the theologians discussed today?

Primary Source Rule of the Franciscan Order –Who was the author? –What is the purpose of the document? –Notable rules about the Franciscan way of life? –What is the relationship of this document to the Bible? –How can we contrast this document with the history and beliefs of the Waldenses?

Primary Source Clare of Assisi Primary Sources –What kind of documents? –To whom were the documents addressed? –How are the person of Christ and poverty central here? –What insight do they give us about Clare as a person?

Primary Source Aquinas’s “Reasons in the Proof of the Existence of God” –From which of his works does this excerpt come? –How does this reading strike you as “scholastic”? –What were his points on sacred doctrine? –What did he argue about God’s existence?