Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 95 No. 1, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.95.1.3
God’s Attributes in Bonaventure’s De mysterio Trinitatis. On the Inseparable Connection Between Philosophy and Theology
Ivan Karlić
orcid.org/0000-0002-7550-0857
; Catholic Faculty of Theology University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Milan Gelo
orcid.org/0000-0003-4107-5298
Abstract
In the rich theological work of St. Bonaventure, De mysterio Trinitatis, which belongs to the series of so-called Quaestiones disputatae, undoubtedly holds an important place. The theological value of this work is further highlighted by the fact that it was written during his teaching career in Paris (1254–1257). Although brief, the work contains texts that reflect Bonaventure’s Trinitarian theology. Without delving into his teaching on the Trinity in its entirety, the authors analyse and present the attributes (properties) of God that St. Bonaventure addresses. Doctor Seraphicus seeks to connect what philosophy has achieved – specifically, rational knowledge of God (God’s unity, immutability, eternity, etc.) – with theological insights based on the content of the Christian faith. This great Franciscan theologian combines both philosophical and theological insights about God, through which he interprets the mystery of the Triune God, the very centre of the Christian faith. Analysing Bonaventure’s interpretation of God’s attributes, the authors particularly emphasize his positive evaluation of philosophy, which, together with theology, enables a truly Christian understanding of God. In fact, philosophy and theology are inextricably and closely connected, without which a Christian approach to God would be unthinkable – an idea clearly reflected in Bonaventure’s theology. Accordingly, Bonaventure’s understanding of God’s attributes provides an insight into the relationship between philosophy and theology, which complement and clarify each other. This is reflected both in the relevance of Bonaventure’s theological thought as well as in the significance of his theological conclusions, which exude a distinct genius and originality. By interpreting God’s attributes - fundamental insights of Christian theology – the 13th-century Franciscan theologian reinforces the inseparable connection between theology and philosophy, as well as their mutually enriching influence.
Keywords
God’s attributes; Bonaventure; philosophy; theology; Trinity
Hrčak ID:
330352
URI
Publication date:
25.4.2025.
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