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The Nature and Significance of Contemplation According to Thomas Aquinas | Prof. Rik Van Nieuwenhove

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Mar 18, 2025

Guest

Rik Van Nieuwenhove

Professor Rik Van Nieuwenhove, a specialist in medieval theology at Durham University, dives into Thomas Aquinas's concept of contemplation. He distinguishes contemplation from prayer while emphasizing its role in the intellective quest for truth. The conversation highlights how contemplation fosters deeper charity and relationships, contrasting modern views on rationality. Rik also discusses the dangers of idolatry and the importance of a theocentric focus for true fulfillment, encouraging genuine connections in contemporary life.

31:28

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insights

INSIGHT

Contemplation as Pursuit of Truth

Contemplation, according to Aquinas, is primarily the pursuit of truth, whether through speculative sciences or faith.
It's an intellective process of understanding, distinct from discursive reasoning.

insights

INSIGHT

Contemplation vs. Practical Life

Contemplation, pursued for its own sake, is inherently more meaningful than the practical life.
The practical life, focused on worldly actions, finds fulfillment in the contemplative life.

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INSIGHT

Charity and Gratuitousness

Charity, or love for God, cultivates a disposition of gratuitousness in our interactions.
This contrasts with instrumentalization, where things are treated merely as means to an end.

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Cognition: Humans vs. Angels

02:36 • 8min

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The Profound Nature of Contemplation and Its Impact on Relationships

10:44 • 14min

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Freedom Through Theocentric Focus: Beyond Idolatry and Enslavement

24:31 • 3min

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The Value of Genuine Relationships and Contemplation

27:20 • 4min

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Trinity, an introduction

Scott Swain

Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Friedrich Nietzsche

Thomas Common

The book details Zarathustra's descent from his mountain solitude to share his transformative ideas about humanity and existence. Nietzsche explores themes such as the rejection of traditional moral values, individualism, and the concept of the Overman. Zarathustra's interactions with various characters reveal his struggle to articulate his vision and confront prevailing societal values. The book also delves into the existential test of the eternal recurrence of the same and the importance of self-overcoming and personal transformation.

Confessions

Augustine

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

Jan van Ruusbroec. Mystical Theologian of the Trinity

Mystical Theologian of the Trinity

Jan van Ruusbroec

Rik Van Nieuwenhove's "Jan van Ruusbroec: Mystical Theologian of the Trinity" offers a detailed analysis of the life and works of the influential 14th-century mystic. The book explores Ruusbroec's mystical theology, focusing on his profound insights into the nature of God and the human soul's journey toward union with the divine. It examines Ruusbroec's concept of the Trinity, his understanding of divine love, and his emphasis on the transformative power of mystical experience. The work also situates Ruusbroec within the broader context of medieval mysticism, highlighting his unique contributions to the field. It is a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in medieval mysticism and the theology of the Trinity.

Introduction to Medieval Theology

Rik Van Nieuwenhove

Rik Van Nieuwenhove's "Introduction to Medieval Theology" provides a comprehensive overview of medieval theological thought, exploring key figures, concepts, and debates. The book delves into the historical context of medieval theology, tracing its development from early patristic writings to the scholastic period. It examines major theological themes such as the nature of God, the Trinity, Christology, and salvation. The work also explores the relationship between faith and reason, and the influence of medieval theology on subsequent intellectual traditions. It is a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in understanding the rich tapestry of medieval theological thought.

The Theology of Thomas Aquinas

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J. Wawrykow

Rik Van Nieuwenhove

Rik Van Nieuwenhove and J. Wawrykow's "The Theology of Thomas Aquinas" offers a comprehensive exploration of the theological system of Thomas Aquinas. The book examines Aquinas's key theological concepts, such as God, creation, human nature, salvation, and the sacraments. It explores Aquinas's method of theological reasoning, his use of scripture and tradition, and his engagement with philosophical thought. The work also analyzes Aquinas's influence on subsequent theological developments. It is a valuable resource for students and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of Aquinas's theological contributions. The book provides a detailed analysis of Aquinas's thought, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Late Medieval Mysticism of the Low Countries

Rik Van Nieuwenhove, R. Faesen, and H. Rolfson's "Late Medieval Mysticism of the Low Countries" explores the rich tradition of mystical thought that flourished in the Low Countries during the late Middle Ages. The book examines the lives and writings of key mystical figures, such as Jan van Ruusbroec and Hadewijch, analyzing their theological ideas and mystical experiences. It explores the distinctive characteristics of Low Countries mysticism, such as its emphasis on the experience of divine love and its integration of mystical insights into theological discourse. The work also situates Low Countries mysticism within the broader context of medieval and European mysticism. It is a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in medieval mysticism and the religious culture of the Low Countries.

Professor Rik Van Nieuwenhove explores Thomas Aquinas's concept of contemplation, emphasizing its intellective nature, self-transcendent character, and relationship to charity, while discussing its significance in modern life.

This lecture was given on November 28th, 2024, at University of St. Andrews.

For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events

About the Speaker:

Rik Van Nieuwenhove lectures in Medieval Thought at Durham University, UK. He has published scholarly articles on medieval theology and spirituality, theology of the Trinity, and soteriology. His books include: Introduction to Medieval Theology (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012); Jan van Ruusbroec. Mystical Theologian of the Trinity (IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2003); Introduction to the Trinity (with D. Marmion) (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011); and he is editor of The Theology of Thomas Aquinas (with J. Wawrykow) (IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2005); and Late Medieval Mysticism of the Low Countries (with R. Faesen & H. Rolfson) (NJ: Paulist Press, 2008). Presently he is researching the topic of contemplation in Thomas Aquinas.

Keywords: Charity, Christian Love, Contemplation, Divine Names, Gratuitousness, Intellective Understanding, Modern Philosophy, Reason, Self-Transcendence, Thomas Aquinas

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