The writings of Augustine of Hippo is the predictable reference point for those wishing to engage in a theological debate on the Trinity. Augustine was sufficiently aware that an obsessive, compulsive focus on the Trinity is never recommended when faith in God leads us through our life:
“The following dissertation concerning the Trinity, as the reader ought to be informed, has been written in order to guard against the sophistries of those who disdain to begin with faith, and are deceived by a crude and perverse love of reason.”
The Trinity has never been a topic that has attracted my interest, even less whether I should address God as Our Father, our whatever strikes our fancy. Jesus preferred to address God as My Father, Our Father, and The Father.
Way, way back a brilliant intellectual teaching theology weighed heavily on the matter of ensuring his students understood the true, or orthodox meaning of The Trinity boring me to tears.
Despite being a reserved personality I reached a moment when I felt the need to intervene, and observe that I am sure that God would not be offended should I address him through my daily prayers as Harold, or Maude when understanding that God's attributes do not include vanity.
Thomas Kempis wrote wisely:
What does it avail you to agree profoundly of the Trinity if you be wanting in humility, and consequently be displeasing to the Trinity? In truth, sublime words do not make a man holy and just; but it is a virtuous life that makes him dear to God. I would rather feel compunction, than know its definition. If you knew the whole Bible by heart, and the sayings of all the philosophers, what would it all profit you without the love of God and his grace.
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Is an obsessive, compulsive focus on ignorant humility any better?
Posted by John on June 8, 2020, 7:42 am, in reply to "Reason enough?"
Presenting it as a dichotomy is a grave mistake, Alex. You present it as if one must choose to be learned, OR humble and devout. Were this the case, would Christ have told us of The Father and The Holy Ghost as distinct from Himself but united in the Triune God? It is fashionable today to speak of God as though we share the same concept of the Almighty as Jews and Muslims. Stressing the fact that we are “one of the monotheistic religions” can be used to evade the message that Christ brought to us. He introduced us to the Mystery of The Blessed Trinity, and therefore expects us to develop an understanding of that Mystery to the best of our ability.
To categorise anyone who, while remaining humble and devout, wishes to develop as clear an understanding of the Trinity as possible as having an “obsessive, compulsive focus" on the Trinity does them a great disservice.
Re: Is an obsessive, compulsive focus on ignorant humility any better?
Well, John, it is arguable evidenced per the words of Thomas a Kempis, that an over focus on the academic might well appear impressive yet, offers the theological student nothing more than a concept of the divine mystery.
God can only be known through our relationship with Him, not through scholastic understandings of the divine mystery.
Our humility is the foundation of our faith in God, for it clears space enabling Our Father to enact into our life all that He has planned for each of us.
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. ~ Psalm 25:9
Humility, and ignorance are polar opposites in that they present the observer with the possible thought that humility lacks learning, therefore no understanding of that which is being learned.
If thou wilt receive profit, read with humility, simplicity and faith, and seek not at any time the fame of being learned. ~Thomas a Kempis
Thomas Kempis has a well respected reputation in theological circles teaching that an accumulation of knowledge, is not a replacement for living the life that Our Father grants us to reveal His life in ours.
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Re: Humility in Catholic Colleges
Posted by David on September 29, 2022, 10:43 pm, in reply to "Humility"
Of course I understand everything. Obedience is important. But do not forget about human rights. We have equal rights. Also, everyone has the right to take help if something in their studies does not go as smoothly as they would like. Especially in college. This is the golden time. Thus, research paper writing services provide an opportunity to carve out a little time for personal affairs. In return, they give a well-done written assignment.