Fides et theologia
What is the relationship between fides et theologia, “faith and theology”? In his work In Boethium de Trinitate (q. 5, a. 4, ad 8), Thomas Aquinas has this definition: “Fides est quasi habitus theologiae—faith is as it were the disposition of theology.” This definition nicely expresses the relationship between faith and theology. Theology is not faith, but it proceeds from faith and reflects on faith.
3 Comments:
Ben,
This post was a nice 'snap shot'from Aquinas.
When you stated:
"Theology is not faith, but it proceeds from faith and reflects on faith."
Aquinas would view theology itself as sort of mixed, wouldn't he, between faith and reason?
Doctrines such as the deity of Christ, the Trinity, etc. were elements or doctrines more of faith (although I do not think Aquinas draws a very strong dichotomy between faith and reason as some neo-Thomistas seem to think he does). Hmmm. . . just thinking out loud (or in type).
Not to be simplistic, but isn't it Anselm we want here: fides quaerens intellectum?
And reason? Karl Barth was once asked about the place of reason in his theology. "I use it," Barth replied.
Kim: "isn't it Anselm we want here?" Yes!
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