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 the realm of philosophy and theology, Thomas Aquinas has left an indelible imprint with his profound teachings and complex arguments. One of his most captivating and thought-provoking quotes is, "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." At first glance, this statement may appear perplexing, but its essence lies in Aquinas's exploration of the nature of God and our limited human understanding. Essentially, Aquinas argues that our comprehension of God is defined by negation, highlighting what God is not rather than what God is. This concept opens up a vast and complex realm of philosophical inquiry, posing intriguing questions about the nature of knowledge and our ability to grasp the divine.Aquinas's quote encapsulates the idea that our human limitations prevent us from fully comprehending the essence of God. While we can gain knowledge about God through divine revelation, our understanding is ultimately constrained by the limitations of language, reason, and our finite minds. This is where the contrast with an unexpected philosophical concept arises, introducing the notion of apophatic theology.Apophatic theology, also known as negative theology, is a philosophical and theological approach that emphasizes the ineffability and unknowability of the divine. This concept suggests that we can only speak about God by negation, using language to point towards what God is not, rather than attempting to define or confine the divine essence within human constructs. In this way, apophatic theology aligns closely with Aquinas's perspective, reinforcing the significance of considering how God is not rather than attempting to grasp the fullness of how God is.The importance of Aquinas's quote lies in its ability to shift our perspective and challenge our preconceived notions about knowledge and understanding. It forces us to recognize the limits of human comprehension when it comes to matters of the divine. Instead of clinging to rigid definitions and attempting to confine God within the confines of our understanding, we are called to embrace a more humble and awe-filled approach, acknowledging the vastness and mystery that surround the divine.Aquinas's quote also serves as a reminder of the limitations of our language and conceptual frameworks. When faced with the enormity of the divine, words often fall short, unable to fully capture the transcendent reality of God. Instead, we are left with a paradoxical tension between what we can know about God – namely, what God is not – and what remains inherently unknowable.This tension gives rise to a profound sense of wonder and a constant pursuit of deeper understanding. It invites us to approach theological and philosophical inquiries with curiosity and openness, recognizing that our comprehension will forever remain partial and incomplete. Yet, paradoxically, this recognition of our limitation can also be liberating, allowing us to engage in a humble pursuit of truth without claiming to hold ultimate answers.Aquinas's quote, with its exploration of the limitations of human understanding and the ineffability of the divine, offers a perspective that urges us to embrace mystery and awe. It reminds us that while our conceptual frameworks may lead to deeper insights, they can never fully encompass the divine essence. Instead of providing a definitive description of God, Aquinas invites us into a continuous journey of discovery and discernment, where the awareness of what we do not know sets the stage for genuine engagement with the divine.So, let us take Aquinas's quote as an invitation to approach our explorations of theology and philosophy with humility and wonder. Let us be open to the limits of our understanding, embracing the beauty found in the vastness of mystery. For in the recognition of what we cannot fully know lies the potential for transformative encounters with the divine.