Questions and Answers
Who is Ben Sira?
The Jewish author of the Old Testament Book of Sirach.
What is Nicholas of Cusa known for?
Philosopher, theologian, and bishop, who wrote 'De Deo Abscondito' (On the Hidden God).
What did Sir Isaac Newton develop?
The universal laws of motion and his universal law of gravity.
What does the term 'Clockmaker God' refer to?
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What is Deism?
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What is Pantheism?
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In Sirach 43:27, God is called 'the __________'.
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Why is Isaac Newton celebrated as one of the greatest scientists?
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What model did Newton use to understand the universe?
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What are the benefits of scientific modeling?
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Critique Newton's theology of God's relationship to the universe.
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Describe Newton's univocal theology.
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What is St. Thomas Aquinas's Principle of Double Agency?
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What are the limits of the playwright analogy for God?
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Define 'Analogy' in the context of understanding God.
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What is the 'Univocal Conception of God'?
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What is the difference between Mental Being and Real Being?
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What does it mean that God is 'Being Subsisting in Itself'?
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What is 'Creation ex nihilo'?
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Differentiate divine creation from temporal change.
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What does the phrase 'Creation cum tempore' mean?
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What does 'Creation cum libertate' imply?
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Why is the universe regarded as a product of divine love?
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Study Notes
Key Figures
- Ben Sira: Jewish author of the Old Testament Book of Sirach.
- Nicholas of Cusa: Philosopher and bishop who explored God's hidden nature in his work "De Deo Abscondito," highlighting the paradox of the unknowable God deserving of worship.
- Sir Isaac Newton: British scientist who formulated the universal laws of motion and gravity, significantly impacting both physics and theology.
Concepts of God
- Clockmaker God: Description of God as a craftsman who designed the universe as a mechanistic clock, illustrating a distant creator.
- Deism: Belief that God initiated the universe but does not intervene actively, focusing on moral legislation and afterlife rewards/punishments.
- Pantheism: Philosophy merging God and the universe, viewing the universe as God's physical body.
Insights from Sirach
- God's relationship with the universe includes:
- God as the ultimate source of truth, goodness, and beauty ("He is the all").
- God exists beyond His creations, remaining incomprehensible and fundamentally different from all beings.
Newton's Impact
- Considered a pivotal figure leading to the Industrial Revolution, with universal laws that explain celestial and earthly phenomena.
- Utilized a mechanical model of the universe, building on prior thinkers like Galileo and Kepler, to interpret natural phenomena.
Modeling Limitations
- Scientific models, while useful for understanding complex systems, cannot encapsulate the entire universe or serve theological explanations.
- Models simplify reality but risk oversimplifying the divine relationship with creation.
Critiques of Newtonian Theology
- Assumed a univocal relationship of God to the universe, likening Him to a mechanic rather than acknowledging a broader divine transcendence.
- This perspective limited the understanding of God's relationship as one of distance rather than intimate presence.
St. Thomas Aquinas's Contributions
- Developed the Principle of Double Agency, explaining that divine and natural causes work together, enhancing understanding of creation alongside science.
- Clarified that God's role as a creator transcends the universe, with the principle allowing for both divine and secondary causes without conflict.
Analogy of God as Playwright
- A playwright conceptually parallels God as the creator, with the play existing independently from the playwright yet wholly dependent on their will and creativity.
- Limitations include the temporal nature of creation, which does not apply to God's eternal role as creator.
Creation Doctrines
- Creation ex nihilo: God creates the universe from nothing, meaning no pre-existing materials are involved, emphasizing divine initiative.
- Creation cum tempore: Every moment is part of creation, showing all time relies on God's sustaining presence.
- Creation cum libertate: God creates freely, not to gain perfection but to manifest His goodness.
Justice and Mercy
- Justice: Giving others what is owed to them.
- Mercy: A divine love that brings goodness into existence, highlighting God's compassion in creation.
Relation of Creation and Time
- Divine creation is distinct from changes in time, as God sustains existence rather than merely initiating it.
- In the playwright analogy, God remains the source of each moment in time just as a playwright continues to define the story.
The Nature of God's Love
- God's creation is rooted in divine love, distinct from justice, as it acknowledges the act of creating exists out of pure goodness rather than necessity.
- "Love springing from mercy" indicates God's creative act brings goodness into environments that previously lacked existence or merit.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key figures and concepts from Chapter 3 of Theology. This quiz covers important authors and their contributions to theological thought, including Ben Sira and Nicholas of Cusa. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding.
