Augustine united reason and love to overcome personal struggles.
Aquinas introduced a separation between reason and faith, challenging the coherence of Christian worldview.
Deep dives
Influence of Platonism, Christianity, and Gnosticism on Augustine
Augustine, a Roman figure living in the fourth to fifth centuries during the decline of the Roman Empire, grappled with influences from Platonism, Christianity, and Gnosticism. Influenced by Manichaeism due to personal struggles and the darkening world around him, Augustine found resonance in the Gnostic components. His deep personal turmoil, including a battle with sexual addiction, led him to seek answers and liberation from evil influences in the world.
Augustine's Journey Towards Mystical Experience and Transformation
Augustine's exploration extended to reading Plotinus, a pivotal moment where he encountered Neoplatonic ideas. Experiencing mystical ascents and connecting with higher states of consciousness, Augustine faced internal struggles as the darkness within him continually pulled him back. Despite grasping the concepts of Plotinus, he found his inner darkness overwhelming, leading to moments of despair and longing for transformation.
Augustine's Synthesis of Neoplatonism and Christianity
Augmenting his philosophical journey, Augustine sought a synthesis of Neoplatonism and Christianity. Recognizing the intertwining significance of reason and agape, he emphasized the healing power of love within reason to overcome personal struggles. Augustine united the normative order from Platonism and the narrative order from Christianity, offering a profound worldview that fostered growth in love and self-realization.
Impact of Thomas Aquinas on Christianity and Science
Thomas Aquinas emerged as a pivotal figure in reconciling Christian beliefs with the scientific influence of Aristotle. Aquinas introduced the concept of two worlds, the natural accessible through reason and the supernatural attainable through faith. His separation of reason and love shifted faith towards willful assertion, marking a divergence between science and spirituality. This shift posed challenges in maintaining the coherence and integration of meaning within the Christian worldview.
