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The Thomistic Institute

Chesterton on Saints Francis and Thomas Aquinas | Dr. Thomas Hibbs

Jan 5, 2021
Dr. Thomas Hibbs discusses the theological connection between Saints Francis and Thomas Aquinas, exploring beauty, contemplation, action, and existential dilemmas in light of Pope Francis' encyclical. The podcast also delves into Aquinas's views on beauty, contrasts the contemplative and active life, examines 'The Tree of Life', and compares Chesterton's contemplative nature with the saints' approaches.
01:07:51

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Saints Francis and Thomas embraced different approaches to understanding nature - Francis welcomed created nature while Thomas embraced Aristotle's naturalistic thought.
  • Their shared receptivity to the created order reflects a rootedness in an understanding of nature as a divine reflection, leading to a revitalization within the church.

Deep dives

Chesterton's Insight on the Affinities Between Saints Francis and Thomas

Chesterton highlights the deep affinity between Saints Francis and Thomas, emphasizing their distinct approaches to the problem of understanding nature. While Francis welcomed created nature, Thomas embraced the naturalistic thought of Aristotle. Their shared receptivity to the created order reveals a rootedness in their understanding of nature as a reflection of divine art and wisdom, made possible by their affirmation of the implications of the incarnation. Their combined perspectives led to a revitalization within the church and a resurgence of learning.

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