The definition of God as infinite Love was a particularly…
![“The definition of God as infinite Love was a particularly important theme for [John Duns] Scotus. He disagreed with Anselm, who understood the Incarnation as a necessary payment for sin. He also disagreed with Thomas [Aquinas], who argued that the Incarnation, though willed by God from eternity…” quote by Robert Ellsberg](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/b9d/robert-ellsberg-53444_holy-trinity_the-definition-of-god-as-infinite-love-w_3052877.jpg)
““The definition of God as infinite Love was a particularly important theme for [John Duns] Scotus. He disagreed with Anselm, who understood the Incarnation as a necessary payment for sin. He also disagreed with Thomas [Aquinas], who argued that the Incarnation, though willed by God from eternity, was made necessary by the existence of sin. For Scotus the Incarnation was willed through eternity as an expression of God's love, and hence God's desire for consummated union with creation. Our redemption by the cross, though caused by sin, was likewise an expression of God's love and compassion, rather than as an appeasement of God's anger or a form of compensation for God's injured majesty. Scotus believed that...knowledge of God's love should evoke a loving response on the part of humanity. 'I am of the opinion that God wished to redeem us in this fashion principally in order to draw us to his love.' Through our own loving self-gift, he argued, we join with Christ 'in becoming co-lovers of the Holy Trinity.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Scotus sees the Incarnation as an expression of infinite divine love, not a transaction to satisfy justice, urging humanity to respond with love.
In simple terms: God’s love is the motive, not a penalty.
Key Takeaway
Respond to divine love with love.
Themes
theology
love
redemption
human response
Mood
reflective
hopeful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Personal prayer
- community service
- interfaith dialogue
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
Divine love
incarnation
co‑loving
theology of grace
Questions to Reflect On
- How does love change our view of suffering?
- Can love replace the need for moral accountability?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that emphasizing love downplays the seriousness of sin and justice.