Tag: Thomas Aquinas

by Robert Sutkowski

The Meaning of the Word “Is”

God is LOVE. . . . . . GOD is Love. . . . . . God IS Love. The first letter of John states that “God is Love” multiple times. Much has been said of agape, the sacrificial love which describes God’s love for us and how we are to love God and one another. Also, much has been written on the nature of God and who he is, though this truly is an inexhaustible topic that we can never completely comprehend. I think it would be instructive to also delve into the meaning of the small little word … Continue reading “The Meaning of the Word “Is”” →

by Jacob Zelion

Quo Vadis Thomistice?

After considerable reflection I must agree that, despite the wisdom of certain finer points of St. Bonaventure, St. Thomas truly represents the highest point of philosophy and theology and is, in this capacity, the most effective response to modern challenges. I found out that St. Thomas held positions on faith and philosophy which I thought he had totally rejected: the extrinsic influence of the faith on philosophy, the metaphysical doctrine of the divine ideas and participatory metaphysics, mystical knowledge of God, and monarchism. Aquinas is called the Common Doctor for a very good reason. He was not a wild innovator … Continue reading “Quo Vadis Thomistice?” →

by Jacob Zelion

Doctor Seraphicus

Ever since the great Thomist revival of the 19th century many Catholics have forgotten about St. Bonaventure and honored only St. Thomas. Before investigating the merits of St. Bonaventure I will say nonetheless that, as the tradition of the Church demonstrates ever since his death, St. Thomas is a truly marvelous expositor of Christian philosophy and doctrine whose teachings are to be seen as the clearest guides to the truth in a confused world (although there are other church doctors, like Bonaventure, who fulfill the same task but in a perhaps less effective way).  However, contrary to popular belief, even … Continue reading “Doctor Seraphicus” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

So that No Man may Boast

Oftentimes in conversations with Christians of the reformed tradition, a discussion of the goodness of man and how that relates to the divine plan of salvation will arise. During these conversations I have found that a difference in definitions to be harmful to actually discussing the issues at hand. Add to the differing nomenclature palates actual disagreements over a number of differing nuanced positions and the result is chaotic. In this article I primarily want to clear up the Catholic position, as far as I understand it; however, I will also do my best to show why it makes the … Continue reading “So that No Man may Boast” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

The Danger of Systematic Theology

I am Catholic and a strong supporter of using the scholastic wisdom of Aquinas in our own lives. I do not think systematic theology is bad and I think it can and has brought a large number of people closer to God. However there are serious issues that arise when approaching systematic theology without any humility. In seeking to know and understand God, we must be careful of assuming any complete understanding could ever be reached. Confidence does not belong in the realm of theology, especially the further we move from the Word of God. The sin of presumption, among … Continue reading “The Danger of Systematic Theology” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

Commitment and Friendship

hiking_with_friends

In my limited experience in this life I have noticed that there is a tendency to push against true intimacy with other people. In the realm of relationships and marriage a higher divorce rate and increasing break-up related suicide are symptoms of a deeper problem concerning a lack of real intimacy. While fear of the unknown vulnerability needed for intimacy deeply impacts relationships, I want to talk about its impact on friendships as well. Today is a time of easy friendships. Our ability to be connected on social media has made it incredibly easy to begin and renew friendships again … Continue reading “Commitment and Friendship” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

Justice, Politics, and Thomas Aquinas

A 2017 Gallup Poll found that Americans are becoming more and more partisan on a number of issues. The two parties are as far apart as they have ever been in the past half a century. More alarming is the separation between parties on a large variety of issues. In the past when party tensions rode high, they usually focused on a single issue. However, now the parties have grown more partisan on a number of issues simultaneously. Lack of inter-partisan dialogue, increasing tribalism, and decreasing association with members of opposing political viewpoints all lead to a place where people … Continue reading “Justice, Politics, and Thomas Aquinas” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

Four Reasons to be a Theology Major

Recently I have been working on putting together a portfolio all theology majors need to arrange in order to graduate from Loyola University Chicago. Part of the process is to look through the best of my papers and post a few of them demonstrating I have attained the different knowledge areas. In addition, I had to write a reflection on my theology major, what I have gained from it, and what I seek to do with it in the future. As I look through these papers I am reminded of all the knowledge I attained and how my mind has … Continue reading “Four Reasons to be a Theology Major” →

by Daniel Sutkowski

Simplicity and Thanksgiving

Thomas_Cole_painting

Thanksgiving is soon approaching and there is so much good food to look forward to in the upcoming days. Thanksgiving, much like the Sabbath, is a day on which we rest and look back on all that we are grateful for. Yet despite the myriad of things that we can say we are truly glad to have in our lives, there are still things that nag at us underneath the surface. This nagging can take the form of planning out your shopping run for Black Friday, causing you to plan and stress when you should be enjoying the smoked ham … Continue reading “Simplicity and Thanksgiving” →