Bonaventure: The Souls Journey into God

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Dec 29, 2024

Dive into medieval theology with a fascinating exploration of Bonaventure's influence and the emergence of pseudonymous scholarship. Discover the contrasting missions of the Franciscan and Dominican orders, and how human nature's focus shapes understanding. The dialogue shifts to the importance of visual and contemplative insights, linking Augustine's works to modern faith tensions. Reflect on the delicate balance of faith and experience amidst historical shifts, while contemplating the challenges posed by postmodern deconstruction in theology.

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INSIGHT

Uncurving vs. Incurvatus

Bonaventure emphasizes the "uncurving" of the human creature through grace and experience.
This contrasts with the Reformation's view of incurvatus, where the focus shifts from visual contemplation to hearing God's word.

INSIGHT

Works and Grace

Medieval theology often adds works to grace, blurring the lines of justification.
Bonaventure's emphasis on tuning one's senses to see God can be interpreted as a form of works-righteousness.

ANECDOTE

Scholasticism and Evangelicalism

Scott Keith expresses distaste for scholasticism, comparing it to bad American evangelicalism.
Both add to Christ and promote self-righteousness through specific actions or beliefs.

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Heidelberg Disputation

Ethan Bliese

Aaron Fenker

Kay Maiwald

Katie Hill

Donavon Riley

The Soul's Journey into God

or The Mind's Road to God or Path to God

Bonaventure

Bonaventure's "The Soul's Journey into God" is a seminal work of medieval Christian mysticism, outlining a path to union with God through contemplation and the understanding of creation. The book is structured around the six days of creation, exploring the human soul's relationship with God through various stages of enlightenment. It emphasizes the importance of seeing God's presence in all aspects of life, from nature to the human intellect. Bonaventure's work blends philosophical and theological insights, reflecting the scholastic tradition of his time. The book's emphasis on mystical experience and the interconnectedness of the spiritual and natural worlds has influenced Christian thought for centuries.

Lombard's Sentences

Sententiae in IV libris distinctae

Peter Lombard

Peter Lombard's "Sentences" (Sententiae in IV libris distinctae) is a highly influential work of medieval theology, serving as a foundational text for theological education in universities for centuries. It systematically presents theological doctrines based on biblical and patristic sources, organizing them into four books covering various aspects of Christian belief. The "Sentences" became a standard text for commentaries and discussions, shaping the development of scholastic theology. Its structure and approach influenced the way theological questions were addressed and debated in the medieval period. The book's enduring impact on theological education and the development of scholastic thought is undeniable.

Summa theologica

Thomas Aquinas

The Summa Theologica is a comprehensive work divided into three parts. The first part deals with God, the creation of the world, angels, and the nature of man. The second part is subdivided into two sections: the first part of the second part discusses general principles of morality and law, while the second part of the second part addresses morality in particular, including individual virtues and vices. The third part, left unfinished by Aquinas, focuses on the person and work of Christ and the sacraments. The work also includes a posthumous supplement that concludes the third part and discusses Christian eschatology. Aquinas drew on Aristotelian and Augustinian influences and aimed to integrate faith and reason in his theological arguments[1][2][4].