The Indwelling of the Trinity: A Historico-Doctrinal Study of the Theory of St. Thomas Aquinas

194 Pages·2008·8.93 MB·English

by  Francis L. B. Cunningham

The
INDWELLING
of the
TRINITY
A Hiatorico-Doctrinal Study
of of
tl.. Tl..ory St. Tl.omaa A'luinaa
FRANCIS L. B. CUNNINGHAM, O. P.,
S.T,Lr., S.T.D.
WIPF & STOCK· Eugene, Oregon
Revlsores Ordinis:
Mannes Matthijs, O.P., S.T.M.
Paulns Philippe, O.P., S.T.M., S.T.D.
Ricardus T. A. Murphy, a.p., S.T.Dace.,
S.T.D., SS.D.
To
Imprimi Potest:
Eduardus L. Hughes, O.P., S.T.M. GERALD =d AGNES CUNNINGHAM
Prior Promncialis
from th.eir Bon
Nihil obl!tlEl:
Thomas C. Donlan, O.P., S.T.Lr., S.T.D.
Censor Llhrorum
Imprimatur:
+Leo Binz,
Die 7 Martli, 1955 Archiepiscopm Dubuquensis
Wipf and Stock Publishers
199 W 8th Ave, Suite 3
Eugene, OR 97401
The Indwelling of the Trinity
A Historico-Doctrinal Study of the Theory of St. Thomas Aquinas
By Cunningham, Francis L. B., 0; P.
ISBN 13: 978-1·60608-254-6
I ::>. Publication date 11117/2008
~(i : Previously published by The Priory Press, 1955
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0:/
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CONTENTS
PAGE
PREFACE . vii
CHAPTER ONE
The Mystery: The Problem
ARTICLE 1: INTRODUCTION 1
ARTICI,.E 2: THE TEACHING OF THE MAGISTERIUM 5
ARTICLE 3: THE PROBLEM OF THE INHABITATION. 8
1. The Problem in General . 8
2. The Problem in St. Thomas . 11
ARTICLE 4: THE PURPOSE AND PLAN OF THIS STUDY. 17
1. The Ends in View . 17
2. The Means 20
3. The Procedure . 22
NOTES
xi
CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER FOUR
The Sources of the Scholastic Teaching Early Scholastic Solutions
on the Divine Indwelling
PAGE
PAGE·
INTRODUCTION 103
INTRODUCTION 34
ARTICLE 1: THE MASTER OF THE SENTENCES. 105
ARTICLE 1: REMOTE SOURCES OF THE SCHOLASTIC TRADITION . 36
1. The Teaching of Sacred Scripture . 37 ARTICLE 2: WILLIAM OF AUXERRE 107
2. The Doctrine of the Greek Fathers. .40
ARTICLE 3: THE SUMMA FRATRIS ALEXANDRI • 109
ARTICLE 2: IMMEDIATE SOURCES OF THE SCHOLASTIC TEACHING 46 1. Analysis of the Theory of the Summa 111
1. The Teaching of the Latin Fathers in General . 46 2. An Interpretation of the Theory 113
2. The Teaching of St. Augustine. . 48 3. A Second Interpretation of the Theory. 115
4. The Theory of the Summa Alexantiri and the
ARTICLE 3: CONCLUSION.
Theory of Alexander 124
NOTES 57 5. Criticism of the Solution of the Summa Fratris
Alexandri 128
NOTES 133
CHAPTER THREE
The Common Teaching of the Schoolmen
CHAPTER FIVE
INTRODUCTION 70
The Sol;'tions of St. Albert and St. Bonaventure
ARTICLE, 1: THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE SCHOLASTIC WORKS 73
1. The Book of the Sentences and rhe Summa Aurea. 73
INTRODUCTION 140
2. AlexanJri Je Hales Summa Theologiea 74
3. The Works of St. Albert 77 ARTICLE 1: THE SOLUTION OF ST. ALBERT THE GREAT. 142
4. St. Bonaventure 78 1. Exposition of St. Albert's Theory . 142
5. Conclusion . 79 2. Interpretation of St. Albert's Theory 146
3. Criticism of the Theory of St. Albert 148
ARTICLE 2: THE COMMON TEACHING OF THE SCHOOLMEN . 79 .
4. Conclusion 154
ARTICLE 3: CONCLUSION 87
ARTICLE 2: THE SOLUTION OF ST. BONAVENTURE. 156
NOTES 89 1. Exposition of St. Bonaventure's Doctrine 156
xii xiii
PAGE CHAPTER SEVEN
2. Conclusions 158
3. Criticism of the Solution of St. Bonaventure. 162 A Comparative Study 0/ St. Thomas' Solution
ARTICLE 3: CONCLUSION 162 in the Scriptum super Sententiis
PAGE
166
NOTES
INTRODUCTION 230
ARTICLE 1: ST. THOMAS' FAMILIARITY WITH THE WORKS TO
BE COMPARED. 233
CHAPTER SIX ARTICLE 2: TEXTUAL DETERM]NATION OF THE INFLUENCE
OF THESE WORKS ON ST. THOMAS' THEORY
OF THE DIVINE INDWELLING 240
The Solution of St. Thomas
1. The Rejection of the Theory of the Inhabita-
tion Proposed by St. Albert 242
INTRODUCTION 178 2. The Choice of the Theory of the Inhabitation
Proposed by the Summa Alexandr; 253
ARTICLE 1: THE FACTS OF THE INDWELLING. 181
1) First example • 253
ARTICLE 2: THE PRINCIPLES OF SOLUTION 185 2) Second example 262
3. Conclusions 269
ARTICLE 3: THE SOL unoN OF ST. THOMAS 191
1. Considered as an effect of God, sanctifying ARTICLE 3: TEXTUAL~DoCTRINAL COMPARISONS 270
grace does not constitute the formal reason 1. The Divine Missions: A Scholastic Analysis 271
of the inhabitation- . 192 2. The Divine Missions: The Theory of the In-
2. A quasi~experimental knowledge,. springing habitation 273
from the love and knowledge rooted in 3. Conclusion 284
grace, is the proximate formal reason for
NOTES 285
the divine indwelling • 196
3. This experimental knowledge presupposes God's
presence of immensity 202
4. The experimental knowledge of Wisdom and CHAPTER EIGHT
love, presupposing the presence of im:qlen-
as act
sity, is necessary as a habit, not 208
A Comparative Study of St. Thomas' Solution.
ARTICLE 4: RECAPITULATION. 211 in the Summa Theologiae
NOTES 21i2 INTRODUCTION 291
xiv xv
PAGE PAGE
ARTICLE 1: THE SUMMA THEOLOGIAE AND THE SCRIPTUM SECOND CONCLUSION: All theories of the indwelling which
SUPER SENTENTllS . 292 explain the triune presence from the formal
"I. Logical Differences 293 point of view of God as cause, principle or
2. Stylistic Differences 295 'operating' are irreconcilable with the theory
3. Doctrinal Differences 300 of St. Thomas. None of the proponents of these
4. Conclusion 301 proposals is justified, therefore, in quoting pas
sages from. St. Thomas in authoritative support
ARTICLE 2: THE SUMMA THEOLOGIAE AND THE SUMMA
of his peculiar ideas 337
THEOLOGICA OF ALEXANDER OF HALES . 302
THIRD CONCLUSION: The presentation of the solution of the
ARTICLE 3: THE SUMMA THEOLOGIAE AND ST. ALBERT'S problem of the inhabitation given in the Scrip
CoMMENTARIUM 304 tU"1J1, super Sententfis is an invaluable commen
tary on the solution presented in the Summa
ARTICLE 4: THE SUMMA THEOLOGIAE AND THE COMMEN-
Tbeologiae 339
TARIUS OF ST. BONAVENTURE 305
1. General Influence. 305 L'ENVOI 349
2. Influence on the Statement of the Theory of
APPENDIX: Transcriptions of Pertinent Manuscripts 356
the Divine Indwelling 307
3. St. Bonaventure's Influence: An Appraisal 316 TABLE I: Comparison of the Scriptum super SententUs with
Possible Sources 362
TABLE II: Comparison of the Summa Theologiae (Part I,
Question 43) with the Scriptnm super Sen
tentiis (Book I) 372
CHAPTER NINE
TABLE III: Outlines 374
Conclusion TABLE IV: The Economy of the Summa Theologiae 377
BIBLIOGRAPHY . 378
INTRODUCTION 319
INDEX OF SUBJECTS 395
FIRST CONCLUSION: St. Thomas Teaches an Identical Doctrine INDEX OF NAMES 4!l
on the Inhabitation in the Scriptum super
Sententiis and the Summa Theologiae 322
1) Doctrinal basis for this judgment 322
2) Historical basi, for this judgment 328
3) Conclusion • 335
xvi xvii
CHAPTER ONE
The Mystery: The Problem
ARTICLE 1
Introduction
"We are well aware that many a veil shrouds this pro
fessed truth of our union with the Divine Redeemer and
in particular of the Holy Spirit's dwelling within our
souls and impedes our power to understand and explain it.
This mystery is enveloped in a darkness rising out of the
mental limitations of those who seek to grasp it. But We
know, too, that well directed and earnest study of this
doctrine and the clash of diverse opinions and their discus
sion, provided love of truth and due submission to the
Church be the arbiter, will soon open rich and hight
vistas, whose light will help to progress in kindred sciences.
Hence -we do not censure those who in various ways and
with diverse reasonings strain every effort to understand
I
i
2 THE INDWELLING OF THE TRINITY i THE MYSTERY: THE PROBLEM
I
and to clarify the mystery of this our marvelous union The Most Holy Trinity is one term of the present
with Christ."* problem. And what is the other? It is a creature, "having
There is something of audacity involved in attempting J) nothingness,"· which in infinite and unintelligible love
to explain so sublime a mystery as the presence of the tri They have called to existence out of nothingness - a crea
une God in the souls of the just - even when the task is ture, moreover, in sullen, inexplicable revolt against its
limited, as in the present work, to an attempt to place in source and its very life. The light of the triune God
its proper light one aspect of the profound theory pro dazzles our finite intellects into blindness, but this being
posed by the Angelic Doctor. For here we have, on the They raise to Themselves, on the other hand, hovers in the
one hand, God Himself under His highest aspect, the mys darkness near the abyss. And in the darkness we under
tery of mysteries, omnium fons et caput:' God in His in stand not.
effable fecundity communicating His own infinite nature The cautions, then, of the Vicar of Christ must be
to the Son, in that loving utterance of the knowledge He borne well in mind when seeking for light to clarify, in
has of Himself which issues in an interior Word and a any way, the inscrutable union we call the indwelling of
consubstantial Image; God communicating, Father and the Trinity. In a certain sense, this mystery remains even
Son, His own infinite nature to a Third Person, in an out more impenetrable to us than the greater mystery of God's
pouring, a breathing forth of the love He has of Himself personal union with our human nature. Because of our
(and of the mutual love of Father and Son for one an experienced wretchedness, the possibility of our union with
other) which issues in an interior sigh of love: the Spirit, God seems more incredible than the Incarnation itself; so
the Gift of gifts, Love divine, substantial, personal. God, that, as Augustine points out, the greater mystery serves
One and Three, "who dwells in light inaccessible, whom to illustrate the lesser.' And it is this mystery we propose
no man hath seen nor can see.,,2 to study and probe in the doctrine of the Comm,on Doctor.
"No one knoweth the Son but the Father; neither· The divine mysteries, the Vatican Council tells us,
doth anyone know the Father but the Son, and he to whom by their very nature so exceed the created intellect that
it shall please the Son to reveal Him."· The divine Per even after revelation and the gift of Faith they remain
sons alone, Father and Son and Spirit who "searcheth all hidden, shrouded in shadow behind the veil of Faith.
things, yea, the deep things of God'" - They alone know Nevertheless, the same authority assures us, human reason
one another in Themselves. They alone can declare Them illumined by Faith - if it but search "piously, diligently
selvesli in the gracious condescension of a self-revelation and prudently" - can attain with God's help some under
which alone enables the created intellect to speak, how standing of these supernatural realities, and that a most
soever haltingly, of the incomprehensible Godhead. fruitful one.· And St. Thomas affirms the value of
human reason even in respect to the mystery of the Trin
* The Mystical Body of Christ. An Encyclical Letter Issued June ity, not to prove the mystery but to manifest it by fitting
29, 1943, by Pope Pius XII under the title Mystici CorPOris. Prepared
reasons once its reality is revealed to us;· and he insists on
by Joseph J. Bluett, S.J. Pp. 34-35. Cf. Mystici Corporis, n. 79
(A.A.S., 1943. p. 231). the necessity of the knowledge of the divine Persons, de-
•
THE INDWELLING OF THE TRINITY THE MYSTERY: THE PROBLEM
spite the inaccessibility of such knowledge to human rea To shed, in various ways and with diverse reasonings,
son, "chiefly for right thinking concerning the salvation some light on a subject much controverted in our days;
of the human race, which is accomplished by the Son in to attempt "to clarify the mystery of this our marvelous
carnate and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit."'· union with Christ" by exposing the true notion which the
Cognizant both of the loftiness of the mystery and the profound concept of similitude holds in St. Thomas' theory
inadequacies of human instruments to mine its profundity, I of the union of the triune God with the souls of the just
St. Augustine offers from his own experience and the ex - such is the high purpose of the present work. Deriva
perience of the Church the thoughtful conclusion: "No tive by definition, the task is still not an inconsiderable
,1'
where is error more dangerous, nor is anything more fruit I one: it can but be hoped that a restatement of fundamental
fully discovered."" And Dominic Banez, the great Span 1 Thomistic principles in the newly focused light of a fun
ish commentator, referring directly to the mystery of the , damental Thomistic doctrine will dispel some of the dark
indwelling Godhead, echoes Augustine's considered senti ness to reveal the blinding glory of man's point of con
ment: the presence of the triune God in His creature, tact with the Three-in-One.
says Banez, "without doubt is hard to explain and hard
to understand - which in no way lessens the truth of it.
"12
Both admonition and encouragement, therefore, must
be ever before the eyes of one who studies so sublime a
mystery. Because of the subject matter concerned, that ARTICLE 2
caution and humility which the Angelic Doctor states is so
necessary when speaking of the Trinity" necessarily ani
The Teaching of the Magisterium
mates a sincere investigation of this truth. Yet it is, of
course, the other aspect of the matter-the fruitfulness of
the labor involved, the sublime truth to be contemplated
which encourages the human mind, strengthened by Faith,
Throughout the ages which flow from the revelation
tq attempt so intrinsically difficult a work. If the Philoso
of Jesus Christ, certain features of the tremendous mystery
pher could state unequivocally that "man should be drawn
of the divine indweJling that He has revealed to us have
to immortal and divine things, insofar as in him lies,"14
been so clear that, in spite of certain singular exceptions,
surely the Christian, whose wisdom is that of the Holy
they have been commonly and universally incorporated
Spirit, must liltewise seek to search the deep things of God
into the body of Christian tradition. One will seek in
quantum potest. "The contemplation of divine things
vain among ecclesiastical documents for formal and pre
which is had in this life, even though it is imperfect," says
cise definition of these facts, since as the cornmon teach
St. Thomas, "is yet more delightful than every other con
ing of the Church at all times they need no extraordinary
templation, no matter how perfect, because of the excel
witness. Scattered references, nevertheless, occur at var
lence of the thing contemplated.""
ious periods: to point up the continuance of that tradition
•
THE INDWELLING OF THE TRINITY THE MYSTERy: THE PROBLEM 7
and emphasize its universality; and - the point which is the mystety of man's union with God. This great docu
now of concern - to indicate the basic teaching on this ment, the most explicit and complete statement from
mystery and the problem to which it gives rise. As a ecclesiastical authority on the subject, in all but the very
doctrinal prelude to the analysis of the problem of the words of St. Thomas exposes the teaching of the magis
inhabitation in the souls of the just which will later be terium on the divine missions, the indwelling of the Trin
made, a brief glance at these witnesses will be useful. ity and the gifts of the Holy Ghost."
The doctrine is first directly affirmed in the Creed "By grace God dwells in the just soul as in a temple,"
of St. Epiphanius (d. 403), an exposition of the Nicene declares Pope Leo, ((in a way entirely intimate and singu
Creed for oriental catechumens contained in his Ancora lar .... This marvelous conjunction, which is called by the
Ius (c. 374): it is a simple confession of belief in the Holy name of inhabitation . . . although effected most truly
Ghost "who dwells in the saints."" In the eleventh Coun by the present power of the whole Trinity - 'We shall
cilof Toledo, approximately three hundred years later, come to him and take up Our abode with him' (John
the same truth is indirectly taught in declaring that the 14:23) - is predicated, however, as peculiarly the Holy
Holy Spirit is sent by both Father and Son, without detri Ghost's.
,,21
ment to His divine character and dignity.'7 Fifty years later, the present Pontiff in his encyclical
The centuries of faith which carry us through 'the
on the Mystical Body of Christ once more affirms the
Middle Ages produce no ecclesiastical formulation of the
great mystery. Urging caution but encouraging study of
doctrine: a silent but eloquent testimony of the lack of
the truths involved, this letter culminates the official pro
controversy concerning the common teaching, all the more
nouncements on the divine indwelling by quoting - al
impressive because these years encompass the Trinitarian
beit with reservation - St. Thomas' explanation of the
discussion between the Latins and the Greeks. Only with
'how' of the mystery. "The Divine Persons are said to
the rise of Protestantism does affirmation again appear
be indwelling inasmuch as They are present to intellectual
necessary, and even then the Council of Trent contents
creatures in a way that lies beyond human comprehension,
itself with a simple statement of the reality of the Holy
and are known and loved by them in a purely supernatural
Spirit within us."
manner alone within the deepest sanctuary of the soul.""
In the decline which followed the Counter-reforma
From these brief utterances of the ordinary voice of ,
tion, in the stress necessitated by the apologetic battle for
the Church the basic facts of the mystery clearly appear.
its life, the Church all but lost sight of the dogma. For all
The three divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are
practical purposes it appears only as the property of
present in the souls of those in the state of sanctifying
theologians. And so, at the end of the nineteenth century, a
grace; this presence is a real presence, not merely a moral
great pope saw fit to write a great encyclical on the Holy
union, and it differs entirely from the common presence
Ghost. In Divinum IlIud Munus,19 Pope Leo XUI re
of God in all the creatures He has made. But on being
calls the profound truths and mysteries which Faith teaches
confronted with facts so astonishing as these, the human
us about the Third Person of the Trinity, among which is
mind is immediately aswirl with questions: how is so