
The Thomistic Institute Augustine's Account of Trinitarian Image and Thomas Aquinas – Fr. Reginald Lynch, O.P.
Oct 31, 2025
Fr. Reginald Lynch, O.P., a Dominican priest and expert in medieval theology, delves into Augustine's influential work, *De Trinitate*, and its impact on Thomas Aquinas. He highlights how Augustine's intellectual journey fosters a transformative relationship with God. The discussion covers the role of grace in shaping human nature, the reception of Augustine by medieval thinkers, and Aquinas's insights on divine likeness. Lynch further clarifies complex theological distinctions about grace, sacramental character, and the human quest for ultimate truth.
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De Trinitate As A Spiritual Ascent
- Augustine's De Trinitate reads as an ascent of the mind toward God, not just abstract theology.
- Augustine frames intellectual and willful exercise as a transformative quest that deepens the soul's image of God.
Knowing And Loving Renovates The Image
- Augustine links intellect to truth and will to goodness, so knowing and loving God renews the soul's image.
- The journey toward God is a dynamic renovation of human anthropology, not static epistemology.
De Trinitate's Medieval Authority
- Augustine's De Trinitate became the authoritative handbook for speculative theology in the Latin West.
- Medieval theologians like Anselm and Lombard built systematic programs on its scriptural and theological structure.





