Understanding Voluntarism

Voluntarism is a philosophical stance that prioritizes the divine will over divine reason, suggesting that God's sovereignty allows His will to determine all moral truths. This perspective can lead to the troubling conclusion that moral values, like whether adultery is a sin, are arbitrary decisions made by God, which ultimately undermines objective truth. The Catholic tradition, as articulated through the teachings of Thomas Aquinas, counters this by advocating for the alignment of God's will and reason, promoting the idea that true knowledge and morality are grounded in divine logic. Recognizing the connection between logic and faith is crucial, as separating the two can lead to a chaotic understanding of morality and create a dangerous divide in how individuals view right and wrong in contemporary society.