High Medieval Western Theology

Western Theology How can we describe the intellectual trends of the age? 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 (384-322 BC) “The Philosopher” “Scientific,” misogyny Aristotelian revival Logical works already known in West Other writings reached West through Muslim, Jewish scholars Latin translations

Western Theology Scholasticism Aristotelian logic used to explain, reconcile all knowledge Reason and faith are harmonious Mind derives ideas from sensory perception Tools: dialectic, syllogisms

Western Theology Questions?

Western Theology Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) Proslogion (1076-78): God’s nature, attributes Ontological argument: God is “that than which no greater can be conceived” Why the God-man? (1094-98) Incarnation necessary to make satisfaction to God

Western Theology St. Anselm College, Goffstown, New Hampshire

Western Theology Peter Abelard (1079-1142) 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? Sic et non (1115-17) “Contradicting” opinions in Christian texts? Listed over series of 168 questions Reader’s job: resolve contradictions Pursued by Bernard, tried (1141)

Western Theology Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274) Born into nobility Entered Dominican Order 1244 Studied in Paris, Cologne (1245-1252) Taught at Paris, in Italy

Western Theology Aquinas the Scholastic Sacra doctrina enshrines two kinds of truths Supernatural (revelation) Those attained by human reason (philosophy) Aristotelian philosophy a useful “handmaid” for Christian theology

Western Theology Aquinas’s Major Works Summa against the Gentiles (1259-1264) Apologetic For missions in Spain Summa of Theology (1266-1273) Handbook for beginners! Treats God, God’s acts, redemption, sacraments

Western Theology Bonaventure (1221-1274) Healed by St. Francis? Became Franciscan 1243 University of Paris  doctorate 1253 Minister general of Franciscan Order (1257-1274)

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 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?