The London Lyceum Aquinas, Scripture, and Free Will with Joel Chopp
Feb 22, 2023
Joel Chopp, a Wesleyan theologian and expert on Thomas Aquinas, dives into fascinating discussions about Aquinas's relationship with Scripture and free will. He challenges the idea that Aquinas is a proto-Protestant on sola scriptura by highlighting his reverence for Scripture's authority. Chopp explains scholastic exegesis and critiques of medieval methods, while also examining Aquinas's complex ideas of divine freedom and God's will. He argues that God's creation isn't necessary and emphasizes how these insights can benefit modern pastors.
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Personal Path To Aquinas
- Joel Chopp recounts his route to Aquinas via studying Arminius and Protestant scholastics.
- His thesis focuses on Aquinas's use of Scripture and doctrine of divine freedom.
Aquinas' High View Of Scripture
- Thomas affirms Scripture is divinely inspired, fully truthful, and uniquely authoritative.
- His high view of Scripture shapes his exegesis and theological conclusions consistently.
Threefold Scholastic Method
- Scholastic exegesis combined close reading, disputation, and preaching as integrated tasks.
- Thomas's primary role was commentator and teacher of scripture, not merely abstract philosopher.
