Saint Anselm

enshrine Anselm is a well known ghostlike, philosophical, and theological insure in Canterbury, England and a signifi piece of asst contri scarceor in the Catholic Church. He had a strong combine in the Holy Scriptures in relation to truth which thusly became his basis of his locomote and intent. In addition, he stressed the introduction of graven image through intellect. For him, it is important to see beyond things and c at one timepts with deep obscurity through enlightenment and wisdom (Southern, 1962). Despite the criticisms he received, it is undeni fit that nonp beil Anselm is worthy of studying in the fields of theology, psychology, and philosophy.In this research, the invigoration, full treatment, influence, and equal of saint Anselms contributions are discussed in details. ideal Anselm in his early life shrine Anselm (10331109), an Italian- natural English philosopher and theologiser of the medieval times, was born in the city of Aosta, Piedmont near the b vow between Italy and France and he died in of Canterbury, Kent, England. deification Anselms family was known to be well off and noble. His have, Gundulph, who was a Lombard by birth, was a person having a harsh character and intensified temper. Ermenberga is the name of saint Anselms m separate.She was virtuous, religious, and prudent. When enshrine Anselm has r for each oneed fifteen eld of age, he decided to join a monastery, but his father was reluctant in supporting his desire in entering a religious life. c allable to disappointment, fear Anselm has genuine psychosomatic illness, which he was able to overcome. However, he has deep in thought(p) his interest with his studies for a long time and he to a fault became more get byfree in living his life. It was a difficult time for Saint Anselm to bear the challenges he had for his mother died during that time. t became withal worse when his fathers violent character became too unpleasant and unbearable. Saint Anselm at Bec After his student life at Burgundy, Saint Anselm left shell in 1057. Later, in 1059 he explored France and started to think slightly joining a religious life in the Benedictine monastery at Bec, Normandy. The reason why he entered the monastery was because he was inspired by the famous countryman and theologian named Lanfranc, a prior of the Benedictine Abbey of Bec. He then became Lanfrancs ally and companion in the monastery and he finally joined in 1060. age later, he was twenty-seven years old then, he lived in Avranches and then entered the abbey as a novice. He studied close the works of Saint Augustine for ten years. However, he wrote nonhing slightly his early life, ideas and the things he wise to(p) for he spent most of his life in praying and meditating. Although he wrote the De Grammatico, in which he discussed questions that were semantical in nature, and investigated regarding the concepts of possibility and necessity, this work did non have much(preno minal)(prenominal) influence (De grammatico, 2007).In 1063, Lanfranc became the abbot of Caen and Anselm the elected prior of Bec. Saint Anselm served as a prior for fifteen years. Lanfranc became an archbishop of Canterbury in 1070 while Saint Anselm became an abbot in 1078, the year when Herluin, the warrior monk who was the founder and archetypical abbot of Bec died. Anselms fame was non only because of his association with Lanfranc but because of his care about the monks, his sensibility to their rents and the things around him, and his intuitive mind.It was the time of Saint Anselms leaders when learning was improved in Bec and its high standard for learning was became customary even to foreign students. This get toment has brought Anselm in close contact with ecclesiastical affairs in Europe. His macrocosm life brought his way to be recognize by William the Conqueror who estimationed Anselms effort and initiative in serving the people. Lanfranc eventually died and fo rce William consecrated Saint Anselm as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093. He was then considered as one of the most influential delivererian thinkers during that time.He was the Archbishop until 1109. Conflicts and political issues Anselm continued living a spiritual life go againstce he became the Archbishop of Canterbury but he was involved in a series of disputes with the ability and similarly with his successor regarding investiture, the primacy of spirituality, and papal jurisdiction. Anselm gave absolute obedience to divinity and he almost despised politics and mediocrity. The king as well as unlawfully and took the revenues of the see until he died. In addition, Anselm was not able to recognize Wibert who was support by Rufus.They were both the anti-pope which Anselm has fought against them. It resulted to a conflict and other issues that made Anselm to evict in 1097. After a year, Anselm decided to resolve the quarrel with the mogul so went to Rome to seek counse ling from his spiritual father. However, it was not open for him to leave for the king almost did not give him permission to leave. Saint Anselms later life Anselm received cheering from the Urban at the Siege of Capua and from Count Roger I of Sicilys troops of Saracen. However, however, Urban did not fully involve in the dispute between Anselm and King William.A bulky council at Bari asked Anselm to def shutting the doctrine of the procession of the Holy touch against the representatives of the Greek Church. When Henry I became the king in 1100, Anselm returned to England but in 1103 he exiled for the second time due to his refusal to compromise of both king and archbishop in the Concordat of London. Around 1107, Pope Paschal defended about the prototype Procession of the Holy Spirit and explained to the king that Anselms positions have been change which resulted to a victory of the Catholic Church over spiritual jurisdiction.However, King Henry remained in control when it c omes to the appointment of bishops and abbots. The last two years of Anselms life was spent in serving as the Archbishop in England until he died on the 21st day of April in 1109. King black lovage VI canonized Anselm in 1494 (Scholasticism, 2004). He was considered the Doctor of the Church in 1720 (Saint Anselm, 2004). Saint Anselm in the late 11th century Saint Anselms life motto is about searching for the meaning and pictureing by believing or turning into religious belief. His main undertaking was to seek reason in order to be enlightened about the content of belief (Southern, 1962, pp. 1-13). He is famous with his ontological proof about idols outlastence, which is based on the belief that whatever the mind can reckon can be achieved or realized in reality. Anselms outset work alludes to unbelievers with the Cur Deus Homo. This lead him to compose his memorable phrase, religious doctrine ut intelligam, which is translated in English as I believe in order that I may und erstand This was included at the end of the orifice prayer of his Proslogion in which he discussed his argument regarding the populace of deity.Anselms work on the Cur Deus Homo in England in 1094 was the time when the societies of France, England, Burgundy, and Normandy, were having an elating event that was related to the First Crusade (Asiedu, 2001). Saint Anselms credo presents a statement of belief suggesting that understanding requires aroundone to believe. Anselms reverse gear belief with doubting Thomas is the result of the different worlds they were exposed to. Augustine had a well-fixed experience with other religious traditions and he lived most part of his life in participating.On the other hand, Anselm lived his life by trying to produce everything that is good and keeping his spiritual life. The peace and solemnity at the monastery provided Anselm much time in constructing his intellectual edifice with symmetry and balance. He did not have much knowledge or form al schooling about other religions and religious traditions. His writing about the unbelievers essential have been the issue of his notion that pagans who do not believe in a authoritative cosmos like God in the Holy trinity whom he believes in or, perhaps, some non- deliverymanians existed in the Western decree before the end of the eleventh century.Anselms reference to the pagans and even the Jews proves that he was knowledgeable that they could target Christian teachings such that they might defend the Law in the elderly Testament and that they may shunly respond to deliveryman preaching in the Gospels (Asiedu, 2001). Although Anselms ontological argument regarding the existence of God has influenced Descartes and Hegel, Saint doubting Thomas Aquinas rejected it (Misner, 2000). The term ontological proof was first employ by and Emmanuel Kant in his arguments between the seventeenth and the eighteenth century.Anselm demonstrated the existence of God with his popular cred o that anything which can be conceived can be achieved and it can exist in reality (Delio, 2003). On the contrary, Aquinas believes that it is assertable that some people not capable of understanding some concepts or ideas. Rather, cognition occurs or one understands since an individual serves an instrumental role in the act of cognition. He contends that in order for an individual to understand, it should be first encountered or perceived by the senses to become known or exist in the mind (Dougherty, 2006).Saint Anselm as founder of scholasticism Saint Anselm is considered as the Father of Scholasticism for he exclamatory reasoning, argumentation, clear-mindedness, openness, and terseness with humility. He was not after judging those who cannot understand but he emphasized that in that location is no such thing as impossible to understand. As an example, Anselm developed technical vocabulary of expressions for his theological and philosophical thoughts (Hopkins, 1976). Scholasti cism, which focuses on faith and reason, is a philosophy and theology of Christianity in the Western countries in the Middle-Ages.Reason was utilize to deepen the Christian believers understanding and to give rationalization to faith (Scholasticism, 2004 Dougherty, 2006). Philosophers who influenced Saint Anselm Aside from Lanfranc who inspired Anselms way of thinking Saint, other earliest Christian philosophers who influenced Anselms thoughts were Augustine, Aristotle, and Boethius. Saint Anselm was influenced Saint Augustine who argues that truth exists. Although Anselm articulated the need for redemption in an exclusive way, it was Augustine who first drew a harsh correlation between shape and redemption (Delio, 2003).Saint Augustine overly contends about the rule of truth in a proposition which makes it true. Boethius worked on baffle relationship between Creation and embodiment and believed about Christ having been gracious regardless of the history of Adam and his sin ( Delio, 2003). Like Saint Augustine, Saint Anselm believes about the issue that the world has existed and it forever exists. However, Anselm mentioned about Aristotle only once (Wilks, 1994). In fact, his little knowledge about Aristotle was based on the works of Boethius.Saint Anselm believes that the mystery of the Holy Trinity was not about being the product of cognitive speculation but it is actually about praise and worship in order to strengthen Christians faith. There are some modifications about the claims of Augustine in Anselms exploration of the doctrine of the Trinity as Monologion or one God in three different persons (Fortin, 2006). Saint Anselms contributions Saint Anselm has also contributed to pedagogical studies. The first childrens writings was basically intended for instruction.In the Middle-Ages, Saint Anselm, together with Saint Aldhelm, Aelfric, and time-worn Bede wrote school textbooks in Latin. Some of these texts were eventually used in English and America n schools (Childrens Literature, 2004). Anselms paradoxes on benevolence are also momentous concepts for policy makers to consider. The first paradox focuses on thatice from a normative point of view in relation to the various strands of retribution, a non comparative justice that centers on a particular person whose punishment does not depend on others.This implies that a strategy for mercy must be based on the publics commitment to various strands of retribution. The second paradox poses a dilemma in which mercy is subject to discretion from a comparative point of view where fairness and equality should be attained even in a diverse community. It suggests that a strategy for mercy must adopt equal application of the law for individuals (Misner, 2000). To be in existence kernel being within Gods bed. The fundaments and Gods salvation are mentally distinguished from each other but they cannot be separated.Salvation is of Gods unconditional and unlimited love for his Creatures. Anselm believes that salvation from within the context may be limited in but Gods justice is an extension of His enduring love, forgiveness, and caring. Gods mercy and justice are determined to restore beauty and harmony to His creation fro God is ultimately good. Even Christ teaches his followers to never allow forgiving others and asking for forgiveness because these are necessary in eradicating the heart and soul of guilt or other hurt feelings that could serve as barriers to happiness.In effect, some laws give pardon to those who plead guilty and sorry for their sins or crimes with the promise to become conk out individuals. There are instances that people pass on be attracted in doing crimes if they know they give be forgiven but in that respect are other means to overcome this problem. Constructive punishment can be more effective in reducing crime grade because criminals would realize their wrongdoings, pay for them in a positive way and they will learn how to improve their life and function effectively in the society instead of continuously committing crimes after they are forgiven.Saint Anselms impact on other philosophers Many of the Eastern thinkers viewed Incarnation based on the cosmic point of view while Incarnation was seen to impact on juridical and moral aspects as Christology was developed in the West. The later was influenced by the satisfaction theory of Anselm which was supported by saint Thomas Aquinas (Delio, 2003). This theory emphasizes suffering and death of Jesus as a means of salvation. Aquinas argued that reason could possibly lead a person to great spiritual truths and could help him to understand those truths that he accepted on faith (Scholasticism, 2004).God wants the people to realize that death, pain, suffering, and sacrifice in a better perspective. Because He loves His Creations, He wants the people to promote and bring peace to each other to prevent internal and external conflicts within organizations or families. Saint Bonaventure and John Duns Scotus were influenced by Anselm. They both provided a dynamic, inclusive, and broad understanding about Incarnation. Bonaventure and Scotus recognized Anselms satisfaction theory in relation to the primacy of Christ. As a result, Anselm was able to attain a level of theological achievement.They were able to effectively articulate and understand profoundly the concept of Incarnation, which serve as the underpinning modeling Gods love as the reason for His Creations. Scotus provided an explicit report regarding the primacy of Christ while Bonaventure described a primacy of the mystery of the fullness of Christ (Delio, 2003). Bonaventure views Creation and Incarnation as meaningful factors in the primacy of Christ although in the absence of specific doctrine. It is through Bonaventure that made Catholics and other Christians that Christ is the cente of the universe. Bonaventure opted for the traditionalistic solution of Anselm.In Breviloquium (1255 ) Bonaventure adopted Anselmians position in Incarnation and perfection. People were intended to recognize that the noble perfection of the universe in which he emphasizes not only satisfaction but also Incarnation as part of the cosmic fulfillment. As Bonaventure wrote It is in the Word that we chance on the perfection of that greatness of heart which brings all reality to its consummation and completion, since the figure of the circle attests to the perfection of bodies both in the macrocosm and in the microcosm Indeed, God is simply the first. And the last among the works of the world is man.Therefore, when God became man, the works of God were brought to perfection. (Bonaventure, 1989, pp. 73-74. ). Richard Southern affirms Anselms concepts about Christs death. First, it is considered a noble appeasement instead of condemning an innocent person for to pay for others sins. Christs death was not a bad luck but a significant event that strengthened His relationship with God, ju st like restoring the harmony of creation. Second, Southern appreciates the moral validations of this event for it brought liberation from sins and atonement for improved relationship between God and the people.Third, it reflects the real and various serviceman experiences for salvation through Christ. Salvation and biblical symbols are deemed important to be integrated and appropriated through the kinds of Christian institutionalizes (Cahill, 2007). Salvation was made possible when God the Father offered Jesus to save the sinners who ask for forgiveness, repent, and do penance. This is the most significant means of demonstrating Gods love for humanity. In response to Gods love, Jesus calls His followers to love their neighbors by being generous, charitable, kind, forgiving, understanding, empathetic, honest, and just at all times and in all places.This classical salvation theory is emphasized in Saint Anselms theory of satisfaction (Haight, 1994). Gods act of love or Jesus redem ption can be outdo interpreted in modern day activities which were seen in Jesus public ministry. If only people would live in accordance to His teachings and examples, promote and practice love, live each day like it is Christmas, and keep a spiritual life, the world will be peaceful and people would learn to care not only to humankind but also to other Creations and the environment. Anselm stressed the role of our mind in making things possible.It is, indeed, true that we can achieve whatever we can think of if we start acting on it and doing the safe steps toward the attainment of our goals. Conclusion Saint Anselms family background did not anticipate his career but it was his powerful thinking that brought him to a religious life. He did not have a perfect life during his jejuneness and he also experienced challenges. However, he did not allow the negative experiences to ruin his life. Instead, his pursuit in entering a monastery came true when he left and traveled across pl aces.His life and work were influenced mainly by Lanfranc, Aristtole, and Boethius. Although Anselms concepts about intelligence and knowing were rejected by Saint Thomas Aquinas, they agree about the satisfaction theory and about the primacy of Christ as the center of the universe. Anselm is famous about the importance of belief in understanding things that has not been conceived. He wanted the people, especially the unbelievers or those he wanted to convert to Christianity to understand the content of their belief by having faith and finding reason to avoid uncertainties.Anselms first initiative was to modify the believers to search for reasons in the Christian belief before they are able to profess their faith to their prospect converts or unbelievers. Contemporary thinkers like Bonaventure and Scotus also supported Anselms Christology. They have contributed to the centrality of Christ and made it clearer for modern readers to understand about Incarnation and redemption through good reasoning and faith. They also emphasized the mystery of the fullness of Christ.The acceptance of Saint Anselms teachings attach the Churchs official teaching regarding the correlation between the sin and salvation and the Incarnation and redemption. Anselms work is not only significant in the religious and spiritual life of Christian but also in improving decisions in the social and political contexts. Placing Christ as the center of peoples life and recognizing the love of God for His Creatures are likely to produce positive results. Anselms contributions are important for they favor human life in promoting good in the intellectual, emotional, personal, and spiritual aspects of a person.