Seeking and Finding True God from True God | Father Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Oct 16, 2023
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Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP, rector of Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, discusses topics such as medieval transcendental thought, derived realities, Bonaventure and Aquinas' approaches to transcendental philosophy, Aquinas' theistic arguments, the significance of Christ's suffering and resurrection, and Aquinas' doctrine of the incarnation and the Trinity.
Aquinas' philosophy emphasizes the human aspiration to seek truth and goodness, directing it towards God.
Aquinas' teachings provide insights into the disorientation and nihilism prevalent in modern society and emphasize the formation of virtuous habits.
Aquinas' doctrine of the incarnation and the Trinity offers a clear and intelligible interpretation of Christian mysteries and provides a Trinitarian framework to understand human nature.
Deep dives
Aquinas' Approach to God
Aquinas offers a complementary approach to understanding God by emphasizing both the interior and external pathways. His philosophy highlights the inherent aspiration of the human mind and heart to seek truth and goodness, which is ultimately directed towards God. Aquinas' anthropology provides insights into the disorientation and nihilism prevalent in modern society, as well as the need for the formation of virtuous habits. His emphasis on reason and metaphysical argumentation counters the influence of atheism and affirms the rational motivation for belief in God. Aquinas' doctrine of the incarnation and the Trinity is highly intelligible and defends the central mysteries of the Christian faith. It allows for a deeper understanding of human nature and provides a Trinitarian framework to grasp the divine imprint within each person.
Aquinas as a Common Doctor
Aquinas' thought is relevant in the modern era, particularly in addressing the crisis of anthropological controversy. While the previous epochs were marked by debates on the nature of God and the Church, the current era is characterized by questions about what it means to be human. Aquinas' teaching, with its emphasis on metaphysics and anthropology, can help navigate these controversies and provide a philosophical foundation to understand and interpret human nature. His vision of the human person as an image of the Trinity and the importance of virtuous habits in the pursuit of truth and goodness speak directly to the challenges faced in contemporary culture and society.
Aquinas' Significance Today
Aquinas' approach to understanding God as a common doctor has enduring significance today. His philosophy bridges the gap between interior and external pathways to God, addressing the inherent human tendencies towards truth and goodness. In a society where reason and metaphysical argumentation are vital, Aquinas provides a strong defense for belief in God. His doctrine of the incarnation and the Trinity offers a clear and intelligible interpretation of Christian mysteries, allowing for a deeper understanding of human nature and a framework for ethical and moral decision-making. Aquinas' teachings are especially relevant in light of the current cultural controversies surrounding human identity and the need for a solid anthropological foundation.
Aquinas' Contribution to the Church
Aquinas' thought serves as a valuable resource for the Church in navigating contemporary challenges. His comprehensive approach to God, rooted in metaphysics and anthropology, provides a framework for understanding and responding to the crisis of anthropological controversy. By emphasizing the Trinitarian imprint within each person and the importance of virtuous habits, Aquinas offers insights into the nature of the human person and how it relates to the divine. In a society marked by skepticism and moral relativism, Aquinas' teachings bring clarity and provide a solid foundation for the Church to engage with and address the unique challenges of the modern era.
Conclusion
Aquinas' theology and philosophy continue to be relevant and valuable in the contemporary context. His balanced approach to understanding God, human nature, and the relationship between the two provides insights and solutions to the challenges faced by individuals and society today. By embracing Aquinas' teachings, the Church can effectively address the crisis of anthropological controversy and provide a solid foundation grounded in reason, virtue, and the profound mysteries of the Christian faith.
This lecture was given on September 14, 2023, at the Thomistic Circles Conference at the Dominican House of Studies
For more information on upcoming events, please visit our website at www.thomisticinstitute.org.
About the speaker:
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. currently serves as rector of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the “Angelicum”).
Fr. White grew up in southeast Georgia in an inter-religious household. He completed his bachelor’s in religious studies from Brown University (1993) and his Master’s (1995) and Doctorate (2002) in Theology at Oxford University. He entered the Order of Preachers in 2003. He completed his licentiate in Sacred Theology (2007) at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. He professed final vows on May 17, 2007, and on May 23, 2008, was ordained a priest. His research and teaching have focused on topics related to Thomistic metaphysics, Christology and Roman Catholic-Reformed ecumenical dialogue. He was appointed an ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas in 2011. Fr. White taught at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C from 2008-2018. He was also the founder and Director of the Washington DC Thomistic Institute from 2009 until his departure for Rome in 2018.
In 2015 White became a co-editor of Nova et Vetera Journal, an American Catholic Theological journal. In 2018 he was assigned to teach at the Angelicum and function as the Director of the Angelicum Thomistic Institute. In June of 2021, he was appointed rector of the Angelicum. Fr. White is also a musician and one of the founding members of the American folk and bluegrass band, The Hillbilly Thomists, for which he sings and plays the banjo, dulcimer and steel guitar. The U.S.-based group, made up of Dominican friars, has released two albums since 2017.
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