Why is St. Thomas concerned with proving that sacred doctrine is a science? Jason has already noted that we are not discussing the natural sciences; actually, the word that is used is "scientia" which means "knowledge". Sacred doctrine is something we can know, it is not merely a matter of opinion or a series of rules thought up in order to flesh out a religion. By affirming that theology is a science, St. Thomas ensures that it's principals can be known, argued, debated, and declared true. It is in this way that authority can be given to St. Athanasius over Arius; St. Francis de Sales over John Calvin; and Evangelium Vitae over the Prosperity Gospel.
I will continue to think about this over a bowl of Old Toby and Monday Night Football.
Quis Illum?
Jim
A daily slog by a few Catholic men through the Summa.
Very good points.
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