Lecture 3: History of Apologetics, Pt 2 Flashcards
Where did Aquinas believe we need to start our understanding of God?
Many truths can be demonstrated by reason alone from what we can gleam by the world around us. These are then backed up by Scripture, but Scripture need not be the starting point.
Who considered apologetics integral to theology itself, which should use a foundation of reason?
Anselm
Describe Anselm’s view towards the corruption of reason.
Sin impacts our understanding, but God’s grace overcomes this sin.
Who asserted that theology must be performed sola ratione?
Anselm
Describe Augustine’s view of faith and reason.
While Augustine was happy to use reason to make his points, he believed we must first believe and accept certain precepts of the Christian faith, and then try to understand.
Describe the Epistle to Diognetus.
It described how Christians live in self-sacrifice and loving community, and how they were able to do so. It explained that the world hates Christians because of this and they repay that hate with love.
Who believed that when pagans take the Lord’s name in vain, they are giving proof that God already has begun to overcome their defenses and penetrated their minds?
Tertullian
Describe the ontological argument.
If we imagine the highest and most perfect being, then existence is a property of that being.
Describe Anselm’s understanding of the order and relationship between faith and reason.
Anselm coined “faith seeking understand”. First we believe, then we approach theology from a viewpoint of reason, rather than beginning with the authority of Scripture.
Describe Aquinas’s viewpoint towards the corruption of reason.
Nature is impacted by sin, but grace - as the crowning natural virtue - helps us to be able to seek truth.
Describe Origen’s views of apologetics.
Origen believed faith is based on the work of the Spirit, not on reason. However, apologetics were work engaging in even at the potential risk of endangering faith.
What intellectual background did Aquinas come from?
Aristotelian
Describe the viewpoint about Christianity and Greek/Roman culture during the medieval era.
Christianity enjoyed a more peaceful time, and was considered basically compatible with Greek and Roman culture.
Which two theologians are known for advancing that Plato came close to revelation?
Origen and Augustine
Give Augustine’s view of the fall of Rome.
Christians could not be blamed for the fall of Rome, as they suffered as much as the pagans. Further, God could not spare them since that would lead to more people converting for selfish motives.