Skip to content

God should not be called an individual substance, since…

“God should not be called an individual substance, since the principal of individuation is matter.” quote by Thomas Aquinas
Download Open image
“God should not be called an individual substance, since the principal of individuation is matter.”

Thomas Aquinas

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

God is not a substance; individuation belongs to matter.

In simple terms: God is not a thing; matter defines individuality.

Key Takeaway

Focus on material reality for understanding individuation.

Themes

theology philosophy metaphysics matter

Mood

thoughtful scholastic

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • philosophical debate
  • religious education
  • ethical reasoning
  • scientific inquiry

Key Concepts

Scholasticism ontological distinction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does matter affect identity?
  • What are the implications for faith?
A Different Perspective

Some view God as personal, challenging this view.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Aquinas

Explore all 357 Thomas Aquinas quotes

More God quotes

Browse all 37,707 God quotes