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© 2004 Dr Andrew Corbett, Legana, Tasmania, Australia

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CHURCH HISTORY OVERVIEW

THE CHURCH IN THE MIDDLE AGES - 13th CENTURY

The height of Medieval scholasticism was attained by ThomasThomas Aquinas Aquinas (1225-1274). His writings held great influence over the Medieval Church, especially his Summa Theologica (Systematic Theology).

Aquinas rationalised the Church's use of indulgences by saying that the Church had special power from Christ and the saints to invoke, instead of a penitent doing penance. This led to a belief that that a person could buy their or their relative's way into heaven. Rather than correct this heresy, the Church's leadership of the Middle Ages actually perpetuated it. Cynics view the Medieval Church's contrivance of indulgences as a crass means for the papacy to fund its crusades.

Aquinas wrote in Summa Theologica that the worship of Mary, the practice of penance, the belief in purgatory were essential to the Christian faith message. To him, knowledge was superior to faith. Therefore Christianity was to be rationalised and thought out. It was most important therefore for people to accept the teaching (equating to true faith according to Aquinas) of the Church rather than seek fiducia (personal trust).

Aquinas also wrote that Christ's atoning work on the cross was not essential or efficient for salvation. Man must add to the work of Christ through acceptance of the Church's teaching, acts of good deeds, and participation in the sacraments of faith (Summa Theol. 11.49.3).

"It was possible for God to deliver mankind otherwise than by the passion (His work on the cross) of Christ"
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica 111.46.2

"Christ's Passion works its effect in them to whom it is applied, through faith and charity and the sacraments of the faith."
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica 11.49.3

Thomas Aquinas, although a sincere man by all reports, marks the height (or depths) of Medieval theological apostasy. Within a century of his death the pillars of Medieval theology and practice would begin to tumble.

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