Where do we place our trust: in human eloquence, or in God’s revealed wisdom? Origen insists that the Scriptures shine with divine inspiration, even if their treasures lie hidden in humble vessels of words. Augustine wonders what he would have asked of God had he been charged to write Genesis, marveling at the depth given to Moses and the reach of Scripture’s authority (Confessions 11.36). Aquinas then shows that true happiness requires more than delight, vision, or even virtue—it requires comprehension and possession of the supreme good, resting securely in God. In these three voices, we learn that both Scripture and the soul find their end not in man, but in God Himself (2 Corinthians 4:7; John 17:3).

Readings:

Origen, De Principiis (Peri Archon), "On First Principles", Book 4, Chapters 6–7

Augustine, The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 36 (Section 36)

Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part of the Second Part, Question 4, Articles 1–3

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