Thomas Aquinas: 'Because we cannot know what God is, but only what He is not, we cannot consider how He is but only how He is not.'

Because we cannot know what God is, but only what He is not, we cannot consider how He is but only how He is not.

In his profound statement, Thomas Aquinas delves into the limits of human understanding when it comes to comprehending the essence of God. The quote, "Because we cannot know what God is, but only what He is not, we cannot consider how He is but only how He is not," encapsulates a fundamental idea in philosophy known as apophatic theology or negative theology. Aquinas suggests that humanity's understanding of God is bounded by our inability to comprehend the true nature of the divine. Instead, we are left with a more limited understanding based on what God is not rather than what He is. This concept holds significant importance as it challenges our perceived knowledge of the divine and underscores the insurmountable mystery that surrounds the nature of God.To further explore the implications of Aquinas' quote, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept: existentialism. While existentialism may seem unrelated to the subject matter at first glance, it can offer a unique perspective when juxtaposed against the quote. Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought prominent in the 20th century, centers around the individual's subjective experience and the notion of existence preceding essence. This contrast highlights the stark difference in approaches to understanding reality and the divine.Aquinas' assertion that we can only know what God is not aligns with the apophatic tradition, which emphasizes the skepticism surrounding positive knowledge of God's essence. It humbles human beings, reminding us of the inherently elusive nature of the divine. In contrast, existentialism emphasizes subjective experience and acknowledges the significance of individual perception in constructing our understanding of reality. The existentialist perspective prompts us to consider that our limited knowledge of God may be shaped by our unique perspectives and experiences, resulting in diverse interpretations of the divine or even the absence thereof.The divergence between Aquinas' apophatic theology and existentialism highlights the perennial tension between seeking objective knowledge of God and embracing our subjective understanding. While Aquinas beckons us to acknowledge our limitations and surrender to the unknowable aspects of God, existentialism encourages us to embrace our individual experiences and construct our own truths, even in the face of existence's inherent uncertainties.Moreover, this philosophical dichotomy prompts a deeper exploration of the human condition and the questions that arise in our quest for meaning. Aquinas' quote, when brought into conversation with existentialism, invites us to reflect on the very nature of knowledge, belief systems, and the search for ultimate truth. It compels us to challenge our own preconceived notions and contemplate the relationship between our understanding of the divine and our understanding of ourselves.Ultimately, Aquinas' profound statement reminds us of the boundaries of human comprehension when it comes to grasping the almighty. By acknowledging our limited understanding and embracing the mysteries of the divine, we can approach the spiritual realm with humility and reverence. Meanwhile, juxtaposing Aquinas' quote with existentialism introduces a new perspective, highlighting the importance of subjective experience and individual interpretation in our quest for truth. Together, these ideas enrich our philosophical exploration and encourage us to consider the multitude of ways in which we approach the unknowable and seek meaning in our lives.