Episode 1292 Summa Theologica, Part 1 God and Creation B. B. The Nature and Attributes of God

B. The Nature and Attributes of God
Aquinas proceeds to explore the nature and attributes of God. He argues that God is a necessary being, existing beyond time and space, and possesses attributes such as simplicity, immutability, eternity, omnipotence, omniscience, and goodness. Aquinas emphasizes that God is not composed of parts, lacks any potentiality, and is the source of all perfection.
Aquinas dedicates a significant portion of Part I to exploring the nature and attributes of God. He seeks to provide a philosophical understanding of God that aligns with Christian theology. Aquinas argues that God is the ultimate reality, the source and foundation of all existence, and the highest perfection.

Simplicity: Aquinas asserts that God is utterly simple, meaning that He is not composed of parts or divisible into different attributes or characteristics. Unlike creatures that possess various attributes, God's essence is His existence, and there is no distinction between His essence and His attributes. In other words, God's attributes are identical to His essence.
Aquinas's concept of simplicity is a fundamental aspect of his understanding of God. He argues that God is utterly simple, meaning that He is not composed of parts or divisible into different attributes or characteristics. Unlike creatures that possess various attributes, God's essence is His existence, and there is no distinction between His essence and His attributes.

Aquinas asserts that simplicity is a necessary attribute of God because any composition or division would imply a limitation or imperfection. If God were composed of different parts or attributes, it would mean that His existence depends on those parts, and He would be subject to change or contingency. However, God, being the ultimate reality and perfection, cannot be subject to limitations or imperfections.

By affirming God's simplicity, Aquinas emphasizes that God is not a composite of different attributes such as power, wisdom, and goodness. Instead, these attributes are identical to His essence. They do not exist alongside or in addition to His essence but are inherent to His very nature. This means that God's power is not something He possesses but is an essential aspect of who He is. The same applies to His wisdom, goodness, and other divine attributes.

The concept of simplicity also means that God's attributes are not distinct from one another. There is no conflict or tension between them, as they all perfectly coexist in God's unified nature. God's goodness does not conflict with His justice, and His love does not contradict His holiness. All His attributes are perfectly united and harmonious.

Aquinas further argues that simplicity applies to God's knowledge, will, and action. God's knowledge is not a composite of different pieces of information but encompasses a perfect and complete understanding of all things. His will is not subject to change or fluctuation but is eternally directed toward what is good and perfect. His action is not a result of deliberation or choice but flows naturally and necessarily from His perfect nature.

The concept of simplicity not only highlights the uniqueness and transcendence of God but also has implications for our understanding of creation and our relationship with God. It suggests that God's simplicity is reflected in the harmony and unity found in the created order. It also reminds us that our own understanding of God and His attributes is limited and should be approached with humility and reverence.

Perfection: Aquinas describes God as the absolute perfection. He argues that God possesses all perfections to the highest degree, being infinitely good, wise, and powerful. God is the standard by which all other things are measured, and all perfections found in creatures are derived from and participate in the divine perfection.
Aquinas considers perfection to be a central attribute of God. He argues that God possesses all perfections to the highest degree and is the standard by which all other things are measured. In Aquinas's view, perfection refers to the fullness and completeness of being and the absence of any deficiency or limitation.

According to Aquinas, God's perfection encompasses all aspects of His nature, knowledge, power, goodness, and other divine attributes. God's perfection is not limited or constrained in any way. He is infinitely good, infinitely wise, and infinitely powerful. Every positive attribute or quality found in creatures is derived from and participates in the divine perfection.

Aquinas distinguishes between two types of perfections: essential and accidental perfections. Essential perfections are those qualities or attributes that are necessary to a thing's nature or essence. For example, knowledge is an essential perfection for an intellectual being, and power is an essential perfection for a being capable of acting. God, as the ultimate reality and source of all existence, possesses all essential perfections in their highest and most complete form.

Accidental perfections, on the other hand, are qualities or attributes that are not essential to a thing's nature but contribute to its excellence or goodness. For instance, beauty, strength, and intelligence are accidental perfections. While creatures may possess these perfections to varying degrees, God possesses them to the fullest extent.

Aquinas argues that God's perfection is also closely tied to His simplicity. Since God is simple, His perfections are not separate or distinct from one another. They all coexist harmoniously within His nature. God's goodness does not conflict with His justice, and His wisdom does not contradict His mercy. All His perfections are perfectly united and mutually reinforcing.

The concept of God's perfection has significant implications for our understanding of creation and our relationship with God. It means that everything in the created order finds its ultimate standard and fulfillment in God's perfection. All created beings participate in God's perfection to varying degrees and reflect His attributes to the extent that their nature allows.

For human beings, the recognition of God's perfection calls us to strive for moral and spiritual growth, seeking to align ourselves with the divine goodness and virtue. The pursuit of perfection involves cultivating virtues and seeking to become more like God, who is the perfect embodiment of all virtues.

Aquinas's understanding of perfection invites us to contemplate the infinite excellence and completeness of God's being. It challenges us to recognize our own limitations and seek fulfillment in a relationship with the perfect and all-loving God.

The concept of perfection is an essential component of Aquinas's philosophical theology, shaping his understanding of God's nature and attributes and providing a framework for contemplating the transcendent and perfect reality that is God
Eternity: Aquinas posits that God exists outside of time and is eternal. Unlike creatures who exist within time, subject to past, present, and future, God transcends temporal limitations. His existence is not bound by any temporal sequence or succession, but rather, He encompasses all time simultaneously.
Aquinas explores the concept of eternity as an attribute of God. He argues that God exists outside of time and is eternal. Unlike creatures who exist within time, subject to past, present, and future, God transcends temporal limitations.

Aquinas defines eternity as "the simultaneously complete and perfect possession of everlasting life." He distinguishes eternity from time, which he considers to be a measure of change. While time involves succession and the measurement of before and after, eternity involves a simultaneous and unchanging mode of existence.

For Aquinas, God's eternity implies several important aspects:

Simultaneous Presence: God's existence is not subject to the limitations of past, present, and future. He encompasses all time simultaneously. This means that every moment of time is present to God in an eternal "now." He perceives the entirety of temporal existence as a whole, without any succession or change.

Unchanging Nature: God's eternity also means that He is unchanging. He does not undergo any variation, development, or progression. His existence is eternally perfect and complete, devoid of any potentiality or possibility for change. God's perfection is not subject to the passage of time or influenced by any external factors.

Causality: Aquinas argues that God's eternity is the source of time itself. Time is derived from God's eternity, as He is the ultimate cause and sustainer of the temporal order. God's eternal existence provides the foundation for the unfolding of time and the events within it.

Divine Providence: Aquinas connects God's eternity to His providential care for creation. Since God exists outside of time, He can foresee and govern all events throughout history in a comprehensive and all-encompassing manner. His eternal perspective allows Him to guide the course of events towards their ultimate purposes.

It is important to note that Aquinas does not equate God's eternity with an infinite duration of time. Rather, God's eternity transcends time altogether. Time, in Aquinas's view, is a finite and contingent reality, while God's eternity is an infinite and necessary mode of existence.

Aquinas's understanding of God's eternity has profound implications for our understanding of divine knowledge, providence, and the nature of reality. It challenges our human experience of time and invites us to consider a transcendent mode of existence beyond the temporal realm.
The concept of eternity provides a framework for contemplating God's timeless and unchanging nature. It emphasizes God's immutability, His comprehensive knowledge and providence, and His ability to guide the course of events in history towards their ultimate ends.
Immutability: Aquinas asserts that God is unchanging and immutable. God's perfection and self-sufficiency do not allow for any change or development in His nature. He is eternally the same, devoid of any potentiality, and unaffected by external influences.
Aquinas asserts that God is immutable, meaning that He does not undergo any change in His being, essence, or attributes. Immutability is a crucial attribute of God, highlighting His perfection, transcendence, and unchanging nature.

Unchangeable Essence: Aquinas argues that God's essence is unchangeable. His being is not subject to any alterations or modifications. Unlike created beings who are subject to change and contingency, God's essence is eternally perfect and complete. He exists in an unchangeable state of being, unaffected by any external factors or circumstances.

Immutable Attributes: In addition to His essence, Aquinas maintains that God's attributes are also immutable. His qualities and perfections do not fluctuate or vary over time. God's knowledge, power, goodness, and other divine attributes are eternally and unchangeably perfect. They are not subject to increase, decrease, or modification.

Simplicity and Immutability: Aquinas links immutability to God's simplicity. Since God is simple, without any composition or division in His nature, there is no potentiality or capacity for change within Him. His simplicity ensures His immutability because change implies a transition from potentiality to actuality, which does not apply to the pure actuality of God's being.

Eternal Perfection: God's immutability is closely tied to His eternal nature. As an eternal being, God transcends time and remains unaffected by temporal limitations. His perfection is not subject to the passage of time or influenced by any temporal circumstances. He exists in a timeless and unchanging state of perfection.

The concept of God's immutability has significant implications for our understanding of divine knowledge, providence, and reliability. God's unchanging nature ensures the consistency and trustworthiness of His knowledge. His knowledge is not subject to alteration or improvement but encompasses a complete and perfect understanding of all things.

Furthermore, God's immutability provides a foundation for His providential care for creation. His unchanging nature guarantees the constancy and dependability of His divine governance. God's plans and purposes do not waver or evolve; they are eternally determined and executed with unwavering wisdom and goodness.

Aquinas also highlights the relational aspect of God's immutability. While God Himself does not change, He is capable of entering into dynamic and transformative relationships with His creatures. Though God's nature remains unchanging, His interaction with the world can evoke change and transformation in created beings.

The concept of immutability invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of a God who is eternally perfect and unchanging. It challenges our tendency to project human limitations and fluctuations onto the divine and calls us to embrace the stability and constancy found in God's unchanging nature.
Unity: Aquinas emphasizes that God is a perfectly unified being. There is no multiplicity or division in God's nature. He is One, without any composite parts. All aspects of His being, His attributes, and His actions are perfectly united in a harmonious whole.
Aquinas considers unity to be a fundamental attribute of God, reflecting the coherence, integrity, and oneness of His nature. The concept of unity encompasses various aspects in Aquinas's thought:

Unity of Essence: Aquinas asserts that God's essence is perfectly unified. Unlike composite beings who consist of distinct parts, God is a simple and indivisible being. His essence is not composed of different elements or attributes. Rather, all of His attributes and perfections are perfectly and inseparably united in His essence. This unity of essence ensures the coherence and integrity of God's nature.

Unity of Existence: Aquinas argues that God's existence is singular and unified. He is not divided into multiple instances or existences. God's existence is absolute and self-sufficient. He is the source and ground of all existence, and there is no other being that shares in His divine existence. This unity of existence establishes God as the ultimate reality, distinct from and surpassing all contingent beings.

Unity in Trinity: Aquinas also acknowledges the mystery of the Trinity, wherein God is understood to be three persons in one essence. While each person of the Trinity is distinct, there is a profound unity in their essence and will. The unity of the Trinity exemplifies the perfect harmony and love that exists within the divine nature.

Unity of Perfection: Aquinas posits that God's perfection is marked by unity. All of God's attributes, such as His goodness, wisdom, and power, are perfectly united and mutually reinforcing. There is no contradiction or conflict between His attributes. God's goodness does not compromise His justice, and His wisdom does not undermine His mercy. This unity of perfections ensures the harmony and consistency of God's nature.

Unity in Creation: Aquinas sees unity manifested in the created order. God's creation reflects His unity and design. The diversity and multiplicity found in creation are united and ordered by God's wisdom and purpose. All things in the universe find their unity in their dependence on God as their creator and sustainer.

The concept of unity in Aquinas's philosophy highlights the coherence and integrity of God's being and actions. God's unity ensures that all His attributes and perfections are perfectly harmonized, and His actions are guided by a single divine will. This unity provides a foundation for understanding the consistency and reliability of God's nature and His relationship with creation.

Aquinas's exploration of unity invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of a God who is perfectly unified and whose unity encompasses the entirety of existence. It challenges our tendency to fragment and compartmentalize our understanding of God and encourages us to seek a holistic and integrated understanding of the divine nature.

The concept of unity also has practical implications for our lives. It reminds us of the importance of seeking unity and harmony in our own actions and relationships, aligning ourselves with the divine will and purpose. It calls us to recognize the interconnectedness of all things and to strive for unity in diversity, acknowledging the inherent goodness and purpose behind the diversity we encounter in the world.

Overall, Aquinas's concept of unity contributes to a comprehensive understanding of God's nature and attributes, guiding our contemplation of the divine and our pursuit of a more harmonious and integrated existence.
Omniscience and Omnipotence: Aquinas argues that God possesses complete knowledge and understanding of all things (omniscience) and is all-powerful (omnipotent). God's omniscience allows Him to know all things, including past, present, and future, with perfect clarity. His omnipotence refers to His unlimited power and ability to accomplish all that is logically possible.
the concepts of omniscience and omnipotence as they relate to the nature and attributes of God in Aquinas's philosophy:

Omniscience:
Aquinas affirms that God is omniscient, meaning that He possesses perfect and complete knowledge of all things. Some key aspects of God's omniscience include:
a) Comprehensive Knowledge: God's knowledge is not limited or partial; it is all-encompassing. He has knowledge of everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen. His knowledge extends to every aspect of reality, including the past, present, and future. There are no hidden truths or mysteries that escape His knowledge.

b) Simultaneous Knowledge: God's omniscience involves a simultaneous grasp of all things. He does not acquire knowledge sequentially or through a process of learning. Rather, God's knowledge is immediate and eternal. He knows all things in a single timeless act of understanding.

c) Infinitude of Knowledge: God's knowledge is infinite in scope and depth. It encompasses the entirety of existence, including all possible states of affairs and all potentialities. His knowledge is not limited by any constraints or boundaries.

Omnipotence:
Aquinas also affirms that God is omnipotent, meaning that He possesses unlimited power and is capable of accomplishing all things that are logically possible. Some key aspects of God's omnipotence include:
a) All-Powerful: God's power is infinite and supreme. He is the source and sustainer of all power in the universe. There is no limit to what He can do within the realm of possibility. His power is not subject to any external constraints or limitations.

b) Creator and Sustainer: God's omnipotence is manifested in His ability to create and sustain the universe. He brings forth existence from non-existence and continuously upholds the world in its being. His power is displayed in the order and regularity of the natural laws and in the workings of providence.

c) Compatible with Divine Perfection: Aquinas emphasizes that God's omnipotence does not mean that He can do anything that is logically contradictory or inconsistent with His nature. God cannot act against His own goodness, truth, or perfection. His power is always in alignment with His other attributes and guided by divine wisdom.

It is important to note that Aquinas's understanding of omniscience and omnipotence is rooted in a broader theological framework that includes other attributes of God, such as simplicity, goodness, and eternity. These attributes work together to present a comprehensive understanding of God's nature.

Aquinas's exploration of omniscience and omnipotence invites us to reflect on the greatness and transcendence of God. His omniscience assures us that nothing escapes His knowledge, and His omnipotence assures us of His ability to bring about His purposes. These attributes inspire awe, trust, and reverence in the face of a God who possesses perfect knowledge and unlimited power.

Aquinas also acknowledges the mystery and limitations of human understanding when it comes to divine attributes. While we can grasp certain aspects of God's omniscience and omnipotence, their full depth and magnitude surpass our comprehension. Aquinas encourages humility and reverence as we approach these divine attributes, recognizing our finite nature in the presence of the infinite and unknowable depths of God's being.
Goodness and Love: Aquinas describes God as infinitely good and the source of all goodness. God's goodness is manifested in His love for His creation, and He desires the well-being and happiness of all creatures. God's love is not influenced by external factors but is freely given.
the concepts of goodness and love as they relate to the nature and attributes of God in Aquinas's philosophy:

Goodness:
Aquinas considers goodness to be an essential attribute of God. God is the highest and ultimate Good, and His goodness permeates His entire being and all of His actions. Some key aspects of God's goodness include:
a) Perfect Moral Goodness: God is the standard of moral goodness. He is infinitely good in His nature and character. His goodness is not subject to external standards or evaluations. All other goodness in the universe derives from and is grounded in His goodness.

b) Goodness as Being: God's goodness is inseparable from His being. He is the source and origin of all goodness. His essence is intrinsically good, and all His attributes and actions are an expression of His goodness. There is no hint of evil or imperfection in God's nature.

c) Goodness as Beneficence: God's goodness extends beyond His own being to His creation. He is benevolent and bestows blessings upon all creatures. His providential care ensures the well-being and flourishing of His creation. God's goodness is expressed in His acts of creation, redemption, and sustenance.

Love:
Aquinas affirms that love is an essential attribute of God. God's love is not merely an emotion but a perfect and self-giving love that encompasses His entire being and relationship with creation. Some key aspects of God's love include:
a) Self-Giving Love: God's love is characterized by selflessness and generosity. It is not self-centered or possessive but directed towards the well-being and flourishing of others. God's love is an outpouring of His goodness and is expressed in His actions of creation, redemption, and grace.

b) Unconditional Love: God's love is unconditional and unmerited. It is not based on the worthiness or deservingness of the recipients but flows freely from His nature. God loves all of His creation, including both the righteous and the sinful, seeking their ultimate good and salvation.

c) Infinite Love: God's love is infinite in its capacity and reach. It knows no bounds or limitations. It embraces all of creation and desires the ultimate union and communion of creatures with Himself. God's love extends even to the most insignificant beings and encompasses the entire universe.

Aquinas sees goodness and love as inseparable aspects of God's nature. His goodness compels Him to love and bestow blessings upon His creation. His love is an expression of His goodness, seeking the well-being and ultimate fulfillment of all that He has made.

The concepts of goodness and love in Aquinas's philosophy inspire us to seek and reflect the divine qualities in our own lives. They call us to cultivate moral goodness, aligning our actions and intentions with the standard of divine goodness. They also invite us to imitate God's self-giving love, extending kindness, compassion, and care to others.

Ultimately, Aquinas's exploration of goodness and love directs our attention to the profound mystery of a God who is infinitely good and loving. These attributes inspire awe, gratitude, and a desire to enter into a deeper relationship with the divine. They remind us of the abundant grace and mercy available to us and call us to respond with love and gratitude in our own lives.
Transcendence and Immanence: Aquinas emphasizes both the transcendence and immanence of God. God transcends the created world, being beyond and above it. At the same time, He is immanent, intimately present within creation, sustaining and guiding it.
the concepts of transcendence and immanence as they relate to the nature and attributes of God in Aquinas's philosophy:

Transcendence:
Aquinas affirms that God is transcendent, meaning that He exists beyond and above the created world. Some key aspects of God's transcendence include:
a) Beyond the Created Order: God transcends the limitations of time, space, and matter that characterize the created universe. He is not confined or limited by the laws of nature. Rather, He stands above and beyond the created order as its creator and sustainer.

b) Infinite and Unchangeable: God's transcendence includes His infinite and unchangeable nature. He is not subject to the limitations of finite beings and is unaffected by the changes and contingencies of the world. His existence is eternal and unchanging.

c) Incomprehensibility: Aquinas acknowledges that God's transcendence renders Him incomprehensible to human understanding. Our finite minds cannot fully grasp the depths of His being. God's transcendence reminds us of the mystery and awe-inspiring nature of the divine.

Immanence:
Aquinas also affirms that God is immanent, meaning that He is intimately present and involved within the created world. Some key aspects of God's immanence include:
a) Sustaining Presence: God is not detached from His creation but actively sustains it in existence at every moment. His immanence is manifested in His continuous presence and involvement in the operations of the world. He upholds and directs all things towards their intended purposes.

b) Divine Providence: God's immanence is seen in His providential care for His creation. He governs and guides all things towards their proper ends, ensuring order and purpose in the world. His immanent presence ensures that no aspect of creation is outside of His concern and involvement.

c) Indwelling Presence: Aquinas also highlights God's immanence through His presence within the hearts and souls of believers. God dwells within the innermost being of the human person, sustaining and guiding their spiritual life. This immanent presence enables a personal and intimate relationship between God and His creatures.

Aquinas holds that both transcendence and immanence are essential aspects of God's nature. God transcends the created order, surpassing its limitations and existing beyond it. At the same time, God is immanent, intimately present within creation and involved in its unfolding.

The concepts of transcendence and immanence remind us of the tension between the infinite greatness of God and His intimate closeness to His creation. They invite us to approach God with both awe and intimacy, recognizing His majesty and mystery, while also acknowledging His personal and loving presence in our lives.

These concepts also have implications for our understanding of the created world. God's transcendence calls us to recognize the limitations of the natural order and to seek the divine beyond it. His immanence invites us to see the presence of the divine in every aspect of creation and to respond with reverence and gratitude.

Aquinas's exploration of transcendence and immanence provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between God and the world. It emphasizes the simultaneous otherness and nearness of the divine, inviting us to embrace both aspects in our pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.
Aquinas's exploration of the nature and attributes of God seeks to deepen our understanding of the divine and provide a philosophical framework for contemplating God's characteristics. It combines reason and faith to develop a coherent understanding of God as the ultimate reality and the source of all existence and perfection.