Unchanged Changer = God

[Linusthe2nd]

2nd Reading 22nd Sun. Ordinary Time, Jas. 1:17

" Every best gift, and every perfect gift , is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of evil.

I thought this was appropriate for the conclusion of Thomas’ First Way. Doesn’t need discussion. Just seemed good to point out how Scriptures can reinforce Thomas’ philosophical arguments proving the existence of God.

 

[Love2beCatholic]

Amen

 

[Rudy_Baga]

2nd Reading 22nd Sun. Ordinary Time, Jas. 1:17

" Every best gift, and every perfect gift , is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of evil.

I thought this was appropriate for the conclusion of Thomas’ First Way. Doesn’t need discussion. Just seemed good to point out how Scriptures can reinforce Thomas’ philosophical arguments proving the existence of God.

We accept that statement on faith in God. How would you clarify this as proof to one who does not believe? Wouldn’t you need to first make the case for God’s existence prior to making this statement? Otherwise, how can it stand on its own as reinforcing proof?

Not trying to be contrary, just realizing that to the person who does not believe, this is kind of thrown out with nothing to stand on. It will be dismissed without further (and prior) discussion. Once existence is established, then a statement such as this can support the fact that all good things proceed from Him.

 

[Linusthe2nd]

We accept that statement on faith in God. How would you clarify this as proof to one who does not believe? Wouldn’t you need to first make the case for God’s existence prior to making this statement? Otherwise, how can it stand on its own as reinforcing proof?

Not trying to be contrary, just realizing that to the person who does not believe, this is kind of thrown out with nothing to stand on. It will be dismissed without further (and prior) discussion. Once existence is established, then a statement such as this can support the fact that all good things proceed from Him.

Of course St. Thomas gives at least five ways to prove the existence of God using philosophical reasoning. He then goes on to use the same type of reasoning to establish what can be known ( by remotion but still positively ) about the nature of God and on to discuss the Names we can apply to God by analogy from the perfections found in his effects in nature. He uses the " motion " or change found in his effects to prove God as the Unmoved Mover or the Unchanged Cause of all change.

I just thought it appropriate to show how Scripture can reinforce his conclusions.
Nothing more to it than that. Of course it wouldn’t mean much to those not at least a little familiar with St Thomas’ method. I and others have argued his method back and forth on many threads. I didn’t want to start a discussion on any particular point of his methods here. You can raise it on a new thread if you want. This is my day of rest.

:tiphat:’