Two eminent Christian philosophers and theologians who did their best to reconcile their philosophical and theological investigations were certainly Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas.
The first one was a late fourth to early fifth century Christian theologian and philosopher. His writings proved vital in the development of Western Christianity and philosophy. Augustine was bishop of Hippo Regius (nowadays Annaba in Algeria) in the Roman province of Africa. Since he wrote during the Patristic Era and his works are profound with innovative philosophical and theological insights, he is generally considered as one of the most important Church Fathers of Western Christianity. Two very famous works which still marvel their readers due to their intellectual and spiritual depth are surely City of God and Confessions. Saint Augustine has been aptly referred to as the Doctor Gratiae or (Doctor of Grace). This is due to his fundamental theological insights into grace, particularly in his defence of the Christian faith against the heretical Donatists and Pelagians. It is interesting to note that many Protestants, particularly Calvinists, regard Saint Augustine as one of the theological fathers of the Protestant Reformation precisely because of his teachings on salvation and divine grace.
The other distinguished philosopher and theologian was the Italian Dominican friar and priest Saint Thomas Aquinas. A leading exponent of the scholastic tradition, this 13th century Doctor of the Church tried to harmonize pagan philosophy with the Christian faith. Unlike Augustine, who tried to fulfil this task by adopting the Platonic route, Aquinas opted for a rather Aristotelian approach. This outstanding Dominican friar was the principal classical advocate of natural theology as well as the father of Thomism. Aquinas’ great influence on Western thinking was such that much of what today we term as “modern philosophy” evolved as a champion or adversary to his ideas, mainly in ethics, natural law, metaphysics and political theory. Thomas’ contribution is unique since, contrary to the various Church trends of his time, he managed to take over several ideas proposed by the great philosopher of antiquity Aristotle, whom he referred to as “the Philosopher”. Aquinas’ magisterial skill permitted him to blend Aristotelian philosophy with the principles of Christianity. Two of his greatest works which show his singular contribution are the well-known Summa Theologica and the Summa contra Gentiles. Other writings which merit our appreciation are his commentaries on Sacred Scriptures and Aristotle as well as his intriguing collection of eucharistic hymns which still form part of today’s Church liturgy.
Saint Thomas Aquinas is commonly known as the “Angelic Doctor”. This appellation is given to him because he wrote extensively about angels. In fact, Aquinas used the philosophy of Aristotle to differentiate essence and existence in angels. By drawing this distinction he tried to portray how they could be created without matter. His fantastic intuition about angels can be singled out as one of his major contributions to the history of philosophy. Saint Thomas is also known as the “Common Doctor” because he tried to unify the Bible, the Church Fathers and philosophy in an accurate structure which scholars are still studying.
When reading Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas one is struck by their similarities and differences. While both of them tried to bring together Greek ancient philosophy with the Christian faith, their Platonic and Aristotelian paths led them to new different and fascinating conclusions. For instance, in faith and reason issue, Saint Augustine held the view that while reason can be beneficially used since it was capable of illuminating the Christian faith, only non-Christians could really benefit from its use. The Christian should give a prominent place to faith rather than reason. Aquinas reasoned differently. He did not believe that faith and reason are opposed to each other. All creation and truth come from God.
Do you want to deepen your knowledge of Augustine and Aquinas? If yes, kindly contact the Augustinian Institute either by writing to the following address: Augustinian Institute, PO Box 61, Msida PO MSD1000.
Or call director Rev Dr Salvino Caruana OSA on 2124 9407 or 9940 2102. You can also contact the Institute’s secretary on 2131 3644 or 9945 0099.
Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
Paola