Theology as a Science That Benefits from a Scholastic Method

Chandieu considered theology to be a “science” in the classical sense of the term, much like Thomas Aquinas. In this chapter Chandieu’s important introduction to his programmatic treatise of 1580 is subjected to careful scrutiny. Its importance is underlined by the fact that he expanded it before his death for inclusion in his Opera Theologica . Here he roots his reasons for using scholastic method in the needs of pedagogy, the nature of Scripture as truth, and the importance of the certainty of faith for the believer. He carefully distinguishes Scripture as that which provides the foundation and content for one’s theological positions, while philosophy (logic) provides the instrument or tool by which one moves from the foundation to further necessary conclusions. He also distinguishes the senses in which he approves and disapproves of the medieval schoolmen.

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