[Refining Your Way of Life Through Philosophical Thought, Part 13] Aquinas and the Systematization of Christianity: Does Reason Serve Faith? — Believing and Thinking Were Not in Conflict, But Were 'Forces Working Together' —
Hello.
I am Yuki Kanewaka, a life coach and regeneration practitioner.
In this note, while tracing the flow of 5,000 years of human thought, I will deliver philosophical wisdom that sheds light on a way of life for the future in a way that is as gentle yet profound as possible.
The theme for this time is Aquinas and the Systematization of Christianity
Aquinas tackled a theme that was the greatest contradiction even for the intellectuals of his time.
Can 'reason' and 'faith' coexist?
This is a question that also applies to us in the modern day.
How do we handle things that cannot be understood by the mind?
Can science and spirituality coexist?
How do we balance sensibility and intuition with logical thinking?
Aquinas was a philosopher who tackled these questions head-on and built a bridge between faith and reason.
Who was Aquinas?
Thomas Aquinas was a theologian born in 13th-century Italy, and is considered the
'completer of Scholastic philosophy' in the Catholic Church.
He integrated the philosophy of Aristotle with Christianity and authored the massive work 'Summa Theologiae'.
Th
is work systematically constructed fundamental questions such as 'What is God?', 'What is the soul?', 'What is happiness?' using a vast amount of knowledge and the power of reason, and it is said that he achieved the great feat of speaking of God through philosophy.
What is the relationship between 'believing' and 'thinking'?
At the heart of Aquinas's thought is the following structure.
✅ Faith (fides) = Divine truth given through revelation
✅ Reason (ratio) = Natural truth reachable through human thought
And he said this:
'Faith and reason do not contradict each other. Since truth is one and given by God, they cannot clash.'
In other words,
faith does not deny reason, and
reason does not hinder faith.
Rather, Aquinas left us with the paradoxical message that'by exhausting reason, faith is deepened.'
'Natural Law' = The light of God dwelling in human reason
Aquinas also had a major influence on human ethics and social norms.
Particularly famous is the concept of 'natural law' (lex naturalis).
This is the idea that,
'human reason is equipped with the power to distinguish good from evil, and that is a reflection of God's will.'
For example,
one must not take a life
one should be honest with others
Promises should be kept
Such universal ethics are a light that dwells within humans beyond religion and Aquinas stated that reason is necessary to explore them.
A Question for the Modern Age: 'Are You Separating Thought from Intuition?'
What Aquinas's philosophy asks of us today is:
✅ 'Intellect' and 'Sensibility'
✅ 'Science' and 'Spirituality'
✅ 'Logic' and 'Belief'
Are we viewing these as conflicting structures?
Are you excluding things that cannot be understood by the mind?
Are you ignoring the 'voice of the heart' that doesn't fit into logic?
Do you feel anxious because you cannot provide a logical basis for what you believe?
Aquinas was not someone who separated these through dualism, but rather
someone who tried to 'build a bridge' between them.
3 Tips for Applying This Philosophy in Daily Life
Here are some tips for applying Aquinas's philosophy of integrating knowledge and faith to the modern day.
1. Layer rational questions onto 'things understood through intuition'
– For things you 'feel drawn to' or 'believe in',
– try asking yourself, 'Why do I feel this way?'
By moving back and forth between thought and intuition you will deepen your understanding and align your personal core.
2. Try to express your beliefs rationally in words
– "Why do I value this set of values?"
– "What is the logical basis for it?"
By putting what you believe into words, it becomes easier to convey to others, and your ability to engage in dialogue grows.
3. View complex things not as "contradictions," but as "hints for integration"
– When emotion and reason collide
– When self-actualization and social contribution seem incompatible
Instead of immediately choosing "one or the other," the attitude ofasking, "How can I make use of both?" cultivates an intellect of integration.
Conclusion: Reason is not the enemy of faith. It is a "wing" that works alongside it.
The system of theology and philosophy that Aquinas built speaks to us even today:
"Faith that stops thinking becomes blind belief, and reason that forgets to believe becomes empty."
Keep questioning while believing
Keep putting into words while feeling
Keep thinking while praying
Aquinas teaches us that this isthe way of knowledge that refines the core of how we live.
See you next time!
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✍️ Self-introduction: Yuki Kanewaka
Purpose Life Consultant / Regeneration Practitioner
Exploring ways of living for 30 years, starting from the death of my 7-year-old best friend, and coaching over 1,500 people to 'live in a way that is true to yourself, free, and Earth-good.'
・Presiding over the 'Purpose Life School,' a mental training ground for practicing an Earth-good way of life true to yourself, and 'Urban Earth,' a community that provides space in daily urban life to connect with the Earth.
I lead these.
⚔️Descendant of a swordsmith 🌏Traveled around the world to 36 countries 🧪Graduate of Osaka University's Graduate School of Science 🧑💼Former management consultant 🏫MBA holder 🇫🇮Lover of Nordic culture 🌱Regenerative
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