“There is but one Church in which men find salvation, just as outside the ark of Noah it was not possible for anyone to be saved.”
- 1225 – March 7, 1274
- Born in the Kingdom of Sicily (Italy)
- Theologian, philosopher
- A representative figure of scholasticism, who systematized the relationship between the doctrines of the Catholic Church and reason through his masterpiece, the Summa Theologica
Quote
“There is but one Church in which men find salvation, just as outside the ark of Noah it was not possible for anyone to be saved.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas uses an analogy with the ark of Noah to emphasize the idea that salvation can only be found within the Church. In this quote, Aquinas is drawing a comparison between Noah’s ark—where only those inside were saved from the great flood—and the Church, suggesting that, in the same way, the true path to salvation is through the Church. He asserts that just as those outside the ark faced destruction, so too do those outside the Church risk losing their opportunity for salvation. This perspective reflects Aquinas’s belief in the Church as the means by which God extends His grace to humanity, providing spiritual guidance and sacraments essential for eternal life.
Aquinas lived in the 13th century, during a time when the Catholic Church held significant authority over religious and social matters, and the concept of extra Ecclesiam nulla salus (“outside the Church there is no salvation”) was commonly upheld. For Aquinas, the Church was not only an institution but also a spiritual ark—the embodiment of Christ’s teachings, the steward of sacraments, and the community that connected believers with God. He believed that the Church provided the essential means for receiving God’s grace, much like Noah’s ark provided physical salvation during the flood. This understanding reinforced the idea that the sacraments, teachings, and authority of the Church were crucial for a person’s spiritual journey towards eternal life.
In modern times, this quote can be interpreted in different ways, especially given the greater emphasis on ecumenism and interfaith dialogue that characterizes much of today’s religious landscape. Many now believe that while the Church plays an important role in leading people to God, salvation is not strictly limited to its membership. Aquinas’s analogy serves as a historical reminder of the Church’s understanding of its role in salvation during his time, but today, many interpret the concept of God’s grace as being more inclusive, acknowledging that God’s mercy may extend beyond institutional boundaries. Aquinas’s words challenge believers to consider the role of community, tradition, and faith practices in the journey towards salvation while also encouraging reflection on the broader nature of divine grace and its accessibility to all who seek God.
