Dr. Jim Cassidy’s lecture began with a review on Aquinas and an exploration of the differences in anthropology between Catholic and Protestant theology, focusing on how each tradition views human nature, particularly in the context of sin. Dr. Cassidy contrasted the Deeper Catholic Conception with the Deeper Protestant Conception, highlighting that the Catholic view tends to maintain a more optimistic outlook on human reason's capability, even after the Fall. In contrast, the Reformed (Protestant) perspective emphasizes the deep corruption of human reason due to sin, which profoundly affects how one approaches the knowledge of God.
This theological divergence was further examined through the lens of key Catholic doctrines. The concept of Actus Purus-the idea that God is "pure act" without potentiality-was discussed as central to Thomistic theology. The lecture critiqued how this idea shapes a view of God and human reasoning that contrasts with Reformed theology. Additionally, the discussion covered concupiscence (the inclination to sin) and donum superadditum (a superadded gift of grace believed to have been given to Adam and Eve). Dr. Cassidy argued that these doctrines influence the Catholic understanding of human nature and sin, leading to an apologetic method that differs from the Reformed approach.
Dr. Cassidy then addressed the image of God in humanity, comparing the broader and narrower interpretations within Catholic and Reformed theology. This distinction was crucial in understanding how each tradition approaches the task of apologetics. Following this, he critiqued Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways, also known as the cosmological argument for the existence of God. These classical arguments, which rely heavily on human reason, were presented as insufficient from a Reformed perspective, which insists on the necessity of divine revelation.
The discussion moved on to Immanuel Kant, particularly his work Religion within the Bounds of Reason Alone. Kant’s philosophy, which sought to confine religion within the limits of human reason, was critiqued for undermining the need for revelation. Dr. Cassidy argued that Kant’s approach, while influential in classical apologetics, fails to account for the profound effects of sin on human reasoning, a key concern in Reformed apologetics.
Next, the lecture turned to Friedrich Schleiermacher, a German theologian who attempted to reconcile Enlightenment criticisms with Protestant Christianity. Schleiermacher was critiqued for making Christianity more "politically correct," thereby diluting essential doctrines in an effort to align with contemporary culture. This was seen as a dangerous compromise that contrasts sharply with the Reformed commitment to doctrinal integrity.
The discussion then addressed Karl Barth, a major figure in 20th-century theology known for his neo-orthodoxy. Barth reacted against liberal theology and rejected natural theology, emphasizing divine revelation instead. His approach, especially as articulated in his Römerbrief (Epistle to the Romans), was critiqued for its departure from both classical and Reformed approaches. Barth’s rejection of the analogia entis (analogy of being) was noted, as he believed it compromised God’s transcendence, a concern shared by Reformed theologians.
Finally, the lecture likely concluded with a discussion on Reformed Apologetics, particularly the approach developed by Cornelius Van Til. Van Til critiqued both classical apologetics and neo-orthodoxy for their reliance on human reason. Instead, he advocated for a presuppositional approach, which begins with the truth of God’s revelation as the foundation for all reasoning. This method, rooted in the Reformed understanding of the noetic effects of sin, insists that human reasoning is deeply flawed and cannot serve as a reliable starting point for knowing God.
In summary, the lecture provided a thorough critique of classical apologetics, arguing for the necessity of reforming apologetics in line with Reformed theology, which prioritizes divine revelation and acknowledges the profound impact of sin on human reasoning.
Dr. Jim Cassidy
The Lord's Seminary
Apologetics 101