Assuming Quote by Henry Adams
“Even theologians, even the great theologians of the thirteenth century, even Saint Thomas Aquinas himself did not trust to faith alone, or assume the existence of God.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Education of Henry Adams, 1918
Even great medieval theologians doubted that faith alone proves God's existence, emphasizing reason alongside belief.
In simple terms: Theologians required reason, not just faith.
Key Takeaway
Balance faith with rational inquiry.
Themes
theology
reason
faith
skepticism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal belief
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Epistemology
medieval thought
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile faith with reason?
- What role should reason play in belief?
A Different Perspective
Faith without reason can be intellectually unsatisfying.
![“Saint Thomas Aquinas says, wisely, that the only way to drive out a bad passion is by a stronger good passion. The same is true of thoughts as of passions. When your mind wanders, like a child, your will must bring it back, like a mother. [. . .] The will-parent must discipline the mind-child…” quote by Peter Kreeft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/726/peter-kreeft-820_discipline_saint-thomas-aquinas-says-wisely-that-th_537121.jpg)
![“The whole thing that Dante [Alighieri] did was summed up in the medieval world. It's like St. Thomas Aquinas, the Summa Theologica. He didn't invent it, he just put it all in one package. You get twelve fat books there sitting in any library. Whereas... I think if Joshi thinks [H.P.] Lovecraft was…” quote by Paul Laffoley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a35/paul-laffoley-7077_book_the-whole-thing-that-dante-alighieri-did_82075.jpg)
