“Human salvation demands the divine disclosure of truths surpassing reason.”
- 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
“Human salvation demands the divine disclosure of truths surpassing reason.”
Explanation
Thomas Aquinas, in this quote, highlights the need for divine revelation in understanding the path to salvation. According to Aquinas, while human beings are capable of grasping many truths through reason, there are certain spiritual truths that surpass the limits of human understanding and require direct disclosure by the divine. Salvation, for Aquinas, is not solely attainable through logic and rational inquiry; it necessitates an openness to the mysteries revealed by God, which cannot be fully comprehended by the human mind alone.
During the 13th century, Aquinas was instrumental in bridging the gap between philosophy and theology, particularly through his use of Aristotelian concepts to explain Christian teachings. He argued that although reason is a powerful tool for understanding the natural world and aspects of faith, certain truths—such as the Trinity or the Incarnation—are beyond rational explanation and are only accessible through divine revelation. This view emphasized the importance of faith alongside reason, suggesting that reason could lead one towards God but divine revelation was necessary for the complete picture of salvation.
In a modern context, this quote speaks to the limits of human knowledge and the importance of humility in the face of the unknown. It suggests that while science and rational thought provide profound insights into the world, there are still mysteries that elude complete understanding, especially in matters of existence and spirituality. For those seeking a deeper meaning or understanding of life, Aquinas’s perspective implies that faith and openness to spiritual experiences can complement rational inquiry. This is evident in the way many individuals today seek fulfillment through a combination of scientific understanding and spiritual exploration, acknowledging that some questions about existence may forever be beyond the reach of pure reason.
