Anselm of Canterbury

Definition

Anselm of Canterbury was an Italian Benedictine monk and theologian who became the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 11th century. He is best known for his contributions to Christian theology, particularly his ontological argument for the existence of God, which illustrates the influence of Greek philosophy on early Christian thought by merging faith with reason.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anselm's most famous work, 'Proslogion,' contains the ontological argument, which argues that if we can conceive of a perfect being, then that being must exist in reality.
2. He emphasized the compatibility of faith and reason, suggesting that understanding one's faith through rational inquiry leads to deeper belief.
3. Anselm was instrumental in the development of medieval theology, laying groundwork for later theologians like Thomas Aquinas.
4. He faced political struggles during his tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury, including conflicts with King William II over church authority.
5. Anselm is recognized as a Doctor of the Church, reflecting his significant contributions to Christian thought and doctrine.

Review Questions

• How did Anselm of Canterbury's ontological argument reflect the influence of Greek philosophy on early Christian thought?
  • Anselm's ontological argument demonstrates the influence of Greek philosophy by applying logical reasoning to theological questions. By defining God as the greatest conceivable being, Anselm uses a rational approach akin to philosophical inquiry found in works by Plato and Aristotle. This synthesis of faith and reason illustrates how early Christian thought was shaped by philosophical principles, allowing for a deeper understanding and justification of belief in God.
• Discuss how Anselm's ideas about faith and reason contributed to the development of Scholasticism in the Middle Ages.
  • Anselm's assertion that faith seeks understanding laid important groundwork for Scholasticism, which emerged later in the Middle Ages. By insisting that rational inquiry could enhance one's understanding of faith, Anselm encouraged theologians to use logic and philosophy to explore religious concepts. This approach would be expanded upon by later thinkers like Aquinas, who further integrated Aristotelian philosophy into Christian doctrine.
• Evaluate Anselm's impact on subsequent theological discussions regarding the relationship between faith and reason.
  • Anselm's work profoundly impacted theological discourse by establishing a framework where faith and reason are not opposed but rather complementary. His ideas set a precedent for future theologians to explore and articulate complex theological concepts using rational arguments. This integration has continued to influence contemporary discussions in philosophy of religion, highlighting Anselm’s role as a pivotal figure in shaping how faith can be understood through rational thought.

Related terms

Ontological Argument: A philosophical argument for the existence of God that asserts that God's existence is logically necessary based on the very definition of God as the greatest conceivable being.

Scholasticism: A medieval school of philosophy that sought to reconcile faith with reason, heavily influenced by Aristotle's works and leading to significant developments in theology during the Middle Ages.

Faith and Reason: The relationship between belief and rational thought, which Anselm famously articulated with his statement, 'I believe in order that I may understand.'