
The Thomistic Institute
Is Friendship with a Simple God Possible? | Sr. Anna Wray, O.P.
Aug 9, 2024
Sr. Anna Wray, O.P., a member of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia and a philosophy PhD, delves into the intriguing concept of friendship with a simple God. She explores philosophical insights from St. Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle, tackling the complexities of divine relationships. The discussion highlights the nature of friendship and divine activity, questioning the feasibility of such connections in light of theological challenges. Expect a thought-provoking journey that intertwines philosophy and spirituality!
44:17
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Quick takeaways
- The exploration of whether friendship with a simple God is possible introduces significant philosophical challenges that require careful questioning for deeper comprehension.
- Aquinas's emphasis on communication in friendship reveals that true friendship demands mutual understanding, distinguishing it from Aristotle's view on inequality in relationships.
Deep dives
The Speculative Nature of Friendship with God
Exploring whether friendship with a simple God is conceivable poses significant philosophical challenges. The speaker acknowledges objections from St. Thomas Aquinas's followers about the speculative nature of the inquiry, emphasizing that messy questions often lead to deeper understanding. Engaging with imperfect questions allows for a more nuanced grasp of Aquinas's teachings and encourages participants to delve into philosophical debates, thereby enriching their comprehension of divine simplicity. This approach highlights the importance of formulating questions carefully to arrive at the essence of the subject matter, shedding light on the nature of friendship as it relates to God.
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