Lecture Notes: Understanding the Filioque Controversy and St. Thomas Aquinas's Argument

Introduction

• Discussion on the historical context of the Filioque controversy
• Year 1264: Pope Urban IV seeks to reunite Greek and Latin churches
• Primary obstacle: Difference in the Nicene Creed regarding the procession of the Holy Spirit
• Filioque: Latin term meaning "and the Son" – major doctrinal difference between Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches

Historical Background

• Filioque controversy dates back to the 8th century
• Key events:
  • 11th-century Great Schism
  • 9th-century Schism
  • 13th and 15th-century reunion councils

St. Thomas Aquinas’s Role

• Pope Urban IV consults St. Thomas Aquinas to address theological issues
• Aquinas writes "Against the Error of the Greeks"
• Misconception about Aquinas’s use of sources
  • Aquinas used mostly genuine sources, avoiding forgeries
• Work was a response to a forged work by Nicholas of Croaton

Theological Arguments by St. Thomas Aquinas

• St. Thomas made multiple arguments for the Filioque:
  • Psychological analogy
  • Nature of the power of spiration
  • Nature of the order of the persons
  • Most famous: Argument from relative opposition

Argument from Relative Opposition

• Relative opposition describes a relationship that excludes the identity of subjects
• Examples: Fatherhood vs. Brotherhood
• Distinguished by relation rather than absolute attributes
• Essential terms: Absolute vs. Relative predication
• Importance of procession in distinguishing the Trinity

Filioque Conclusion

• Filioque: Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son
• Argument for it being a necessary distinction within the Trinity
• Discusses foundational theological principles leading to the acceptance of the Filioque

Historical and Theological Citations

• Aquinas references include:
  • First book of sentences
  • Summa Contra Gentiles
  • De potentia
  • Compendium Theologia
  • Commentary on the Gospel According to St. John
  • Summa Theologiae
  • "Against the Errors of the Greeks"

Conclusion

• Filioque seen as an essential doctrine that follows foundational theological principles
• Emphasis on understanding the distinction between the Son and the Spirit
• Importance of tradition and ecclesiastical definitions in forming doctrine