God talk

Whether God can be known in this life by natural reason? P(1)- Q(12)- A(12) - O(1) — It seems that by natural reason we cannot know God in this life. For Boethius says (De Consol. v) that “reason does not grasp simple form.” But God is a supremely simple form, as was shown above ( Q(3) , A(7) ). Therefore natural reason cannot attain to know Him. P(1)- Q(12)- A(12) - O(2) — Further, the soul understands nothing by natural reason without the use of the imagination. But we cannot have an 143 imagination of God, Who is incorporeal. Therefore we cannot know God by natural knowledge. P(1)- Q(12)- A(12) - O(3) — Further, the knowledge of natural reason belongs to both good and evil, inasmuch as they have a common nature. But the knowledge of God belongs only to the good; for Augustine says (De Trin. i): “The weak eye of the human mind is not fixed on that excellent light unless purified by the justice of faith.” Therefore God cannot be known by natural

Thomas Aquinas Now let us look at Thomas Aquinas who is still the main theologian for Roman Catholic Theology.   Concerning Nature and whether or not God can be known, Aquinas gives a whole list of questions; Obviously anyone interested in God and revelation should at least read what he has to say.   I’m not saying that you will agree but he should be read.   Aquinas raises questions that every theologian should know about.    In the section “ Whether God can be known in this life by natural reason?” You will see he quotes from Romans 1 19.   These quotations below are taken from the Ages Christian library cd   version 6 pdf. Question 12 Questions in this section are HOW GOD IS KNOWN BY US (THIRTEEN ARTICLES) As hitherto we have considered God as He is in Himself, we now go on to consider in what manner He is in the knowledge of creatures; concerning which there are thirteen points of inquiry: (1) Whether any created intellect can see the essence of God?