The Thomistic Institute How to Know God? Philosophical Wisdom and Divine Revelation – Prof. Michael Dauphinais
Nov 5, 2025
Prof. Michael A. Dauphinais, a prominent theologian and expert on Thomas Aquinas, delves into the interplay between philosophical wisdom and divine revelation. He discusses Aquinas's reasoning from effects to causes, emphasizing that human reason alone is inadequate. Dauphinais addresses idolatry's role in distorting knowledge of God and articulates sacred doctrina's importance. He posits that the incarnation is the peak of divine communication, bridging study and spiritual union, while explaining how the Son and Spirit cultivate wisdom and charity.
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Start With Incarnation Quo Ad Nos
- Aquinas begins theological ordering from effects (incarnation) quo ad nos, because we access God historically through Christ.
- To understand the incarnation fully we must reason back to its cause in the eternal Trinitarian relationships.
Philosophy Is Limited Without Revelation
- Aquinas affirms human reason but insists philosophy alone is radically insufficient and mixed with error.
- Revelation corrects and secures knowledge of salvation by communicating God's wisdom more fittingly and surely.
Idolatry Distorts Our Vision Of God
- Aquinas diagnoses pervasive idolatry: political, philosophical, and mythical projections replace true knowledge of God.
- Original sin damages our perception so God must reveal himself to correct these false images.