Anselm of Canterbury

Definition

Anselm of Canterbury was an Italian Benedictine monk, philosopher, and theologian who became the Archbishop of Canterbury in the late 11th century. He is best known for his contributions to the understanding of atonement and his development of ontological arguments for the existence of God, which have significantly influenced Christian theology and philosophy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anselm is often called the 'father of scholasticism' due to his method of reasoning and emphasis on faith seeking understanding.
2. His most famous work, 'Cur Deus Homo' ('Why God Became Man'), articulates a satisfaction theory of atonement, positing that Christ's sacrifice restores the balance due to human sin.
3. Anselm's ontological argument has been pivotal in Christian philosophy, prompting debates on the nature and existence of God that continue to this day.
4. He emphasized that faith and reason are not opposed but complementary in understanding divine truths.
5. Anselm's influence extended beyond theology into philosophy, as his ideas laid groundwork for later thinkers like Aquinas and Descartes.

Review Questions

• How did Anselm of Canterbury's contributions shape the understanding of atonement within Christian theology?
  • Anselm's major contribution to the understanding of atonement is found in his work 'Cur Deus Homo', where he presents the satisfaction theory. He argues that sin has dishonored God, and only a being who is both fully divine and fully human could restore this honor through His sacrifice. This perspective shifted theological views by emphasizing God's justice alongside His mercy, making Anselm a pivotal figure in developing doctrines related to salvation.
• In what ways did Anselm's ontological argument challenge existing philosophical perspectives on the existence of God during his time?
  • Anselm's ontological argument challenged existing philosophical perspectives by proposing that God's existence is necessary based on His definition as the greatest conceivable being. This innovative approach diverged from empirical arguments common in his era, focusing instead on the nature of concepts and existence itself. It prompted further philosophical inquiry and debate on the relationship between faith and reason, influencing future scholars in both philosophy and theology.
• Evaluate Anselm's impact on later Christian thought, especially concerning the integration of faith and reason.
  • Anselm's impact on later Christian thought is profound, particularly in how he integrated faith and reason. His assertion that reason could support and enhance faith led to a new intellectual approach in Christianity, influencing theologians like Thomas Aquinas who sought to harmonize Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine. This integration fostered a more rigorous theological discourse, ultimately shaping Western thought during the medieval period and beyond. Anselm's legacy continues to challenge scholars to explore how rational inquiry can coexist with religious belief.

Related terms

Atonement: A theological concept that refers to the reconciliation between God and humanity, often explored through various theories explaining how Christ's death addresses sin.

Ontological Argument: A philosophical argument for the existence of God that asserts God must exist in reality because He is defined as the greatest conceivable being.

Scholasticism: A medieval school of thought that sought to reconcile faith with reason, emphasizing dialectical reasoning to extend knowledge through critical thought.