Aquinas on Faith

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Questions and Answers

How does Mary respond to the revelation from God compared to Zechariah?

With doubt and skepticism

With trust and a desire to understand (correct)

With anger and frustration

With indifference and apathy

What significant structure does the course follow?

The Book of Genesis

The Ten Commandments

The Gospel of Mark

The Nicene Creed (correct)

Why is the doctrine of the Trinity considered difficult?

It is considered the Christian mystery and involves deep intimacy with God's nature (correct)

It is based solely on human interpretations

It is purely philosophical with no practical implications

It is explained largely through the Bible only

According to the context, what is highlighted as the fundamental teaching in the hierarchy of truths of the faith?

The doctrine of the Trinity Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the material read for week 3 of the course?

It is the most difficult and philosophical of the semester Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of God does Mary represent in her response to revelation?

Faith seeking understanding Signup and view all the answers

What does Sheed suggest about God's revelation regarding the Trinity?

It reflects God's vulnerability and love for humanity Signup and view all the answers

What major component of the Trinity structure is emphasized in this content?

The relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the intellect in faith, according to Aquina's definition?

It is our highest power that engages in assent to divine truth. Signup and view all the answers

How does faith involve the will according to the content?

The will must desire and be drawn into the good of a relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Why is faith deemed necessary in situations where claims exceed available evidence?

Faith allows for an understanding of intentions that are not visible. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what centers around God's revelation?

The claim that God desires to share His nature with us. Signup and view all the answers

What does Augustine imply about faith in relation to friends?

We rely on faith in our friends' good intentions despite not seeing their hearts. Signup and view all the answers

How is Mary's acceptance of the angel's message categorized in the context of faith?

It exemplifies faith in something beyond evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of faith as stated in the content?

It often involves trusting a person's testimony. Signup and view all the answers

What does faith in God ultimately help to bind together, according to the content?

The various truths revealed by God. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aquinas' Definition of Faith

Faith is an act of the intellect assenting to divine truth, commanded by the will and guided by God's grace.
It's an intellectual act because it involves assent to what is perceived as true.
The will is involved because faith involves desire or a longing to believe.
Faith differs from simply seeing something; it requires trust.

Necessity of Faith

Faith is needed for claims exceeding available evidence, like understanding another's intentions.
Faith also comes into play when trusting claims about God.
Recognizing something compelling and trusting in a person (God, in Christianity) is integral to faith.

Faith and God

Faith in God holds together individual beliefs about God's revelations.
God's desire for a relationship with humans is central to Christian faith.
Faith is the appropriate response to God's profound desire to be our friend.

Faith, Reason and the Will

Faith necessitates trusting persons behind those claims—not just a collection of beliefs.
Faith is not incompatible with reason or intellect.
Faith, as demonstrated in Mary's response to Gabriel, combines belief and seeking understanding.
Faith contrasts with the response of Zechariah (seeking more evidence), highlighting a key characteristic of faith.

Course Structure & Framework

The course follows the structure of the Nicene Creed.
The structure of the Creed addresses Christology (1-7) and Trinitarian structure (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
Week 3 material, while challenging, is part of the philosophical aspects of Faith and is not indicative of the rest of the course content.

Trinity and its Importance

The Trinity is a central Christian mystery, as defined by the CCC.
It's different from God's existence; it requires revelation.
Its revelation demonstrates God's intimate desire to be known.
The Trinity is foundational to understanding Christianity.
The Trinity influences how one views everything in Christianity.

Challenges of the Doctrine of the Trinity

The Trinity presents a profound mystery to understand and interpret.
The Trinity is the most intimate revelation of who God is.
It's a profound sign of God's love and vulnerability.

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Description

Explore Aquinas' profound insights on faith as an intellectual act involving will and grace. Learn how faith is necessary for accepting divine truths and building a relationship with God. This quiz delves into the interplay between faith, reason, and the human will.