Thomas Aquinas and His Beliefs About Religion and Science

Introduction

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was an Italian philosopher and theologian who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Western civilization. He is best known for his works Summa Theologiae and Summa Contra Gentiles, which discussed topics such as religion, morality, and philosophy. In these works, Aquinas explored a range of questions about the relationship between religion and science. This article will examine Aquinas’s views on this topic and explore how they have impacted modern thought.

The Relationship Between Religion and Science According to Aquinas

Aquinas believed that religion and science were two distinct but complementary ways of understanding the world. He argued that faith and reason each had their own unique role to play in understanding the truth. He also asserted that nature and God were connected, and that human beings could understand the laws of nature by studying the created world. Finally, he proposed the concept of natural law, which held that certain moral principles could be derived from nature itself.

Examining Aquinas’s Beliefs About Faith and Reason

Aquinas distinguished between faith and reason, arguing that faith was a belief in something that could not be proven or verified through scientific observation, while reason was based on logical reasoning and empirical evidence. He maintained that faith and reason were both necessary for understanding the truth, writing: “We must hold fast to the true opinions which result from demonstration and necessary conclusions, and at the same time believe those truths which are above reason.”¹

Aquinas argued that faith and reason could coexist, and that one did not necessarily negate the other. He wrote: “The truth of faith surpasses the knowledge of human reason…Nevertheless, it does not follow that the knowledge of human reason is false; rather, it has its own truth, since it proceeds from its own principles.”² According to Aquinas, faith and reason were two separate but equal paths to understanding the truth.

Exploring the Role of Nature in Aquinas’s Philosophy

Aquinas believed that nature and God were closely connected, and that all of creation was infused with divine purpose. He argued that human beings could gain insight into God’s plan by studying the laws of nature. He wrote: “All things proceed from God according to a fixed order, and this order has been impressed upon them by the creative power of the divine mind.”³ Aquinas believed that by studying nature, human beings could come to understand the will of God.

Analyzing Aquinas’s Ideas About Natural Law

Aquinas also developed the concept of natural law, which he defined as “an ordinance of reason for the common good, made by him who has care of the community, and promulgated.”⁴ He believed that by studying nature, human beings could discern certain moral principles that were inherent in the laws of the universe. According to Aquinas, these principles were binding on all people, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.

Comparing Aquinas’s Views on Religion and Science with Other Philosophers

Aquinas’s views on religion and science were similar to those of other medieval philosophers, such as Aristotle and Augustine. Like Aquinas, Aristotle argued that faith and reason could coexist, and that human beings could gain insight into the divine by studying the laws of nature. Augustine, meanwhile, believed that faith and reason could not be reconciled, and that human beings should rely solely on faith to understand the truth. While Aquinas’s views differed from those of Aristotle and Augustine, they all shared a common belief in the importance of studying nature as a way to gain insight into the divine.

Investigating How Aquinas’s Views Have Influenced Modern Thought

Aquinas’s views on religion and science have had a profound impact on Western civilization. His ideas on faith and reason, nature and God, and natural law have shaped much of modern thought. For example, his concept of natural law has been used to support the idea of human rights, while his notion that faith and reason can coexist has been used to argue for the compatibility of science and religion. Furthermore, his belief that the laws of nature can provide insight into the divine has inspired many contemporary theologians and philosophers.

Conclusion

Thomas Aquinas’s views on religion and science have had a lasting impact on Western civilization. He argued that faith and reason could coexist, that nature and God were connected, and that humans could understand the laws of nature by studying the created world. His ideas have shaped much of modern thought, and his concept of natural law has been used to support the idea of human rights. Ultimately, Aquinas’s views on religion and science remain highly relevant today.