Deep Talks with Paul Anleitner Ep 46: The Problem of Evil (Part 6)- Aquinas, Evil, & The Existence of God
Dec 2, 2019
Journey through the chilling yet fascinating High Middle Ages, where plagues and crusades shaped moral beliefs. Discover how Thomas Aquinas tackled the existence of God amidst rampant evil, presenting his famous "Five Ways" to prove divine presence. Examine the dark intersections of superstition, theology, and societal power that fueled persecution and violence, and reflect on Aquinas' unique philosophical stance in a landscape marked by suffering. Join the discussion on the importance of good theology to navigate moral complexities.
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Medieval Europe's Dark Contrasts
- Medieval Europe held a blend of horrific evils and intellectual advancement simultaneously.
- Superstition caused bad theology, leading to persecution and violence against minorities like Jews.
Aquinas' Five Ways Explained
- Aquinas proposed five logical arguments to prove God's existence, rooted in reason and observation.
- These arguments address motion, cause, contingency, perfection, and order/design in the universe.
Aquinas' Realism on Evil
- Aquinas believed evil is a privation of good, continuing a Christian tradition.
- His view was influenced by Aristotle's realism, contrasting with the Platonic idealism of Augustine and Origen.
