summa theologica 1-10
Question: 91 THE PRODUCTION OF THE FIRST MAN'S BODY (FOUR ARTICLES)
We have now to consider the production of the first man's body. Under this head there are four points of inquiry:
(1) The matter from which it was produced;
(2) The author by whom it was produced;
(3) The disposition it received in its production;
(4) The mode and order of its production.
Article: 1
Whether the body of the first man was made of the slime of the earth?
Objection 1: It would seem that the body of the first man was
not made of the slime of the earth. For it is an act of greater power
to make something out of nothing than out of something; because "not
being" is farther off from actual existence than "being in
potentiality." But since man is the most honorable of God's lower
creatures, it was fitting that in the production of man's body, the
power of God should be most clearly shown. Therefore it should not have
been made of the slime of the earth, but out of nothing.
Objection 2: Further, the heavenly bodies are nobler than
earthly bodies. But the human body has the greatest nobility; since it
is perfected by the noblest form, which is the rational soul. Therefore
it should not be made of an earthly body, but of a heavenly body.
Objection 3: Further, fire and air are nobler than earth and
water, as is clear from their subtlety. Therefore, since the human body
is most noble, it should rather have been made of fire and air than of
the slime of the earth.
Objection 4: Further, the human body is composed of the four
elements. Therefore it was not made of the slime of the earth, but of
the four elements.
On the contrary, It is written (Gn. 2:7): "God made man of the slime of the earth."
I answer that, As God is perfect in His works, He bestowed
perfection on all of them according to their capacity: "God's works are
perfect" (Dt. 32:4). He Himself is simply perfect by the fact that "all
things are pre-contained" in Him, not as component parts, but as
"united in one simple whole," as Dionysius says (Div. Nom. v); in the
same way as various effects pre-exist in their cause, according to its
one virtue. This perfection is bestowed on the angels, inasmuch as all
things which are produced by God in nature through various forms come
under their knowledge. But on man this perfection is bestowed in an
inferior way. For he does not possess a natural knowledge of all
natural things, but is in a manner composed of all things, since he has
in himself a rational soul of the genus of spiritual substances, and in
likeness to the heavenly bodies he is removed from contraries by an
equable temperament. As to the elements, he has them in their very
substance, yet in such a way that the higher elements, fire and air,
predominate in him by their power; for life is mostly found where there
is heat, which is from fire; and where there is humor, which is of the
air. But the inferior elements abound in man by their substance;
otherwise the mingling of elements would not be evenly balanced, unless
the inferior elements, which have the less power, predominated in
quantity. Therefore the body of man is said to have been formed from
the slime of the earth; because earth and water mingled are called
slime, and for this reason man is called 'a little world,' because all
creatures of the world are in a way to be found in him.
Reply to Objection 1: The power of the Divine Creator was
manifested in man's body when its matter was produced by creation. But
it was fitting that the human body should be made of the four elements,
that man might have something in common with the inferior bodies, as
being something between spiritual and corporeal substances.
Reply to Objection 2: Although the heavenly body is in itself
nobler than the earthly body, yet for the acts of the rational soul the
heavenly body is less adapted. For the rational soul receives the
knowledge of truth in a certain way through the senses, the organs of
which cannot be formed of a heavenly body which is impassible. Nor is
it true that something of the fifth essence enters materially into the
composition of the human body, as some say, who suppose that the soul
is united to the body by means of light. For, first of all, what they
say is false---that light is a body. Secondly, it is impossible for
something to be taken from the fifth essence, or from a heavenly body,
and to be mingled with the elements, since a heavenly body is
impassible; wherefore it does not enter into the composition of mixed
bodies, except as in the effects of its power.
Reply to Objection 3: If fire and air, whose action is of
greater power, predominated also in quantity in the human body, they
would entirely draw the rest into themselves, and there would be no
equality in the mingling, such as is required in the composition of
man, for the sense of touch, which is the foundation of the other
senses. For the organ of any particular sense must not actually have
the contraries of which that sense has the perception, but only
potentially; either in such a way that it is entirely void of the whole
"genus" of such contraries---thus, for instance, the pupil of the eye
is without color, so as to be in potentiality as regards all colors;
which is not possible in the organ of touch, since it is composed of
the very elements, the qualities of which are perceived by that
sense---or so that the organ is a medium between two contraries, as
much needs be the case with regard to touch; for the medium is in
potentiality to the extremes.
Reply to Objection 4: In the slime of the earth are earth, and
water binding the earth together. Of the other elements, Scripture
makes no mention, because they are less in quantity in the human body,
as we have said; and because also in the account of the Creation no
mention is made of fire and air, which are not perceived by senses of
uncultured men such as those to whom the Scripture was immediately
addressed.
Article: 2
Whether the human body was immediately produced by God?
Objection 1: It would seem that the human body was not produced
by God immediately. For Augustine says (De Trin. iii, 4), that
"corporeal things are disposed by God through the angels." But the
human body was made of corporeal matter, as stated above (Article [1]).
Therefore it was produced by the instrumentality of the angels, and not
immediately by God.
Objection 2: Further, whatever can be made by a created power,
is not necessarily produced immediately by God. But the human body can
be produced by the created power of a heavenly body; for even certain
animals are produced from putrefaction by the active power of a
heavenly body; and Albumazar says that man is not generated where heat
and cold are extreme, but only in temperate regions. Therefore the
human body was not necessarily produced immediately by God.
Objection 3: Further, nothing is made of corporeal matter except
by some material change. But all corporeal change is caused by a
movement of a heavenly body, which is the first movement. Therefore,
since the human body was produced from corporeal matter, it seems that
a heavenly body had part in its production.
Objection 4: Further, Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. vii, 24) that
man's body was made during the work of the six days, according to the
causal virtues which God inserted in corporeal creatures; and that
afterwards it was actually produced. But what pre-exists in the
corporeal creature by reason of causal virtues can be produced by some
corporeal body. Therefore the human body was produced by some created
power, and not immediately by God.
On the contrary, It is written (Ecclus. 17:1): "God created man out of the earth."
I answer that, The first formation of the human body could not
be by the instrumentality of any created power, but was immediately
from God. Some, indeed, supposed that the forms which are in corporeal
matter are derived from some immaterial forms; but the Philosopher
refutes this opinion (Metaph. vii), for the reason that forms cannot be
made in themselves, but only in the composite, as we have explained
(Question [65], Article [4]); and because the agent must be like its
effect, it is not fitting that a pure form, not existing in matter,
should produce a form which is in matter, and which form is only made
by the fact that the composite is made. So a form which is in matter
can only be the cause of another form that is in matter, according as
composite is made by composite. Now God, though He is absolutely
immaterial, can alone by His own power produce matter by creation:
wherefore He alone can produce a form in matter, without the aid of any
preceding material form. For this reason the angels cannot transform a
body except by making use of something in the nature of a seed, as
Augustine says (De Trin. iii, 19). Therefore as no pre-existing body
has been formed whereby another body of the same species could be
generated, the first human body was of necessity made immediately by
God.
Reply to Objection 1: Although the angels are the ministers of
God, as regards what He does in bodies, yet God does something in
bodies beyond the angels' power, as, for instance, raising the dead, or
giving sight to the blind: and by this power He formed the body of the
first man from the slime of the earth. Nevertheless the angels could
act as ministers in the formation of the body of the first man, in the
same way as they will do at the last resurrection by collecting the
dust.
Reply to Objection 2: Perfect animals, produced from seed,
cannot be made by the sole power of a heavenly body, as Avicenna
imagined; although the power of a heavenly body may assist by
co-operation in the work of natural generation, as the Philosopher says
(Phys. ii, 26), "man and the sun beget man from matter." For this
reason, a place of moderate temperature is required for the production
of man and other animals. But the power of heavenly bodies suffices for
the production of some imperfect animals from properly disposed matter:
for it is clear that more conditions are required to produce a perfect
than an imperfect thing.
Reply to Objection 3: The movement of the heavens causes natural
changes; but not changes that surpass the order of nature, and are
caused by the Divine Power alone, as for the dead to be raised to life,
or the blind to see: like to which also is the making of man from the
slime of the earth.
Reply to Objection 4: An effect may be said to pre-exist in the
causal virtues of creatures, in two ways. First, both in active and in
passive potentiality, so that not only can it be produced out of
pre-existing matter, but also that some pre-existing creature can
produce it. Secondly, in passive potentiality only; that is, that out
of pre-existing matter it can be produced by God. In this sense,
according to Augustine, the human body pre-existed in the previous work
in their causal virtues.
Article: 3
Whether the body of man was given an apt disposition?
Objection 1: It would seem that the body of man was not given an
apt disposition. For since man is the noblest of animals, his body
ought to be the best disposed in what is proper to an animal, that is,
in sense and movement. But some animals have sharper senses and quicker
movement than man; thus dogs have a keener smell, and birds a swifter
flight. Therefore man's body was not aptly disposed.
Objection 2: Further, perfect is what lacks nothing. But the
human body lacks more than the body of other animals, for these are
provided with covering and natural arms of defense, in which man is
lacking. Therefore the human body is very imperfectly disposed.
Objection 3: Further, man is more distant from plants than he is
from the brutes. But plants are erect in stature, while brutes are
prone in stature. Therefore man should not be of erect stature.
On the contrary, It is written (Eccles. 7:30): "God made man right."
I answer that, All natural things were produced by the Divine
art, and so may be called God's works of art. Now every artist intends
to give to his work the best disposition; not absolutely the best, but
the best as regards the proposed end; and even if this entails some
defect, the artist cares not: thus, for instance, when man makes
himself a saw for the purpose of cutting, he makes it of iron, which is
suitable for the object in view; and he does not prefer to make it of
glass, though this be a more beautiful material, because this very
beauty would be an obstacle to the end he has in view. Therefore God
gave to each natural being the best disposition; not absolutely so, but
in the view of its proper end. This is what the Philosopher says (Phys.
ii, 7): "And because it is better so, not absolutely, but for each
one's substance."
Now the proximate end of the human body is the rational
soul and its operations; since matter is for the sake of the form, and
instruments are for the action of the agent. I say, therefore, that God
fashioned the human body in that disposition which was best, as most
suited to such a form and to such operations. If defect exists in the
disposition of the human body, it is well to observe that such defect
arises as a necessary result of the matter, from the conditions
required in the body, in order to make it suitably proportioned to the
soul and its operations.
Reply to Objection 1: The sense of touch, which is the
foundation of the other senses, is more perfect in man than in any
other animal; and for this reason man must have the most equable
temperament of all animals. Moreover man excels all other animals in
the interior sensitive powers, as is clear from what we have said above
(Question [78], Article [4]). But by a kind of necessity, man falls
short of the other animals in some of the exterior senses; thus of all
animals he has the least sense of smell. For man needs the largest
brain as compared to the body; both for his greater freedom of action
in the interior powers required for the intellectual operations, as we
have seen above (Question [84], Article [7]); and in order that the low
temperature of the brain may modify the heat of the heart, which has to
be considerable in man for him to be able to stand erect. So that size
of the brain, by reason of its humidity, is an impediment to the smell,
which requires dryness. In the same way, we may suggest a reason why
some animals have a keener sight, and a more acute hearing than man;
namely, on account of a hindrance to his senses arising necessarily
from the perfect equability of his temperament. The same reason
suffices to explain why some animals are more rapid in movement than
man, since this excellence of speed is inconsistent with the equability
of the human temperament.
Reply to Objection 2: Horns and claws, which are the weapons of
some animals, and toughness of hide and quantity of hair or feathers,
which are the clothing of animals, are signs of an abundance of the
earthly element; which does not agree with the equability and softness
of the human temperament. Therefore such things do not suit the nature
of man. Instead of these, he has reason and hands whereby he can make
himself arms and clothes, and other necessaries of life, of infinite
variety. Wherefore the hand is called by Aristotle (De Anima iii, 8),
"the organ of organs." Moreover this was more becoming to the rational
nature, which is capable of conceiving an infinite number of things, so
as to make for itself an infinite number of instruments.
Reply to Objection 3: An upright stature was becoming to man for
four reasons. First, because the senses are given to man, not only for
the purpose of procuring the necessaries of life, which they are
bestowed on other animals, but also for the purpose of knowledge.
Hence, whereas the other animals take delight in the objects of the
senses only as ordered to food and sex, man alone takes pleasure in the
beauty of sensible objects for its own sake. Therefore, as the senses
are situated chiefly in the face, other animals have the face turned to
the ground, as it were for the purpose of seeking food and procuring a
livelihood; whereas man has his face erect, in order that by the
senses, and chiefly by sight, which is more subtle and penetrates
further into the differences of things, he may freely survey the
sensible objects around him, both heavenly and earthly, so as to gather
intelligible truth from all things. Secondly, for the greater freedom
of the acts of the interior powers; the brain, wherein these actions
are, in a way, performed, not being low down, but lifted up above other
parts of the body. Thirdly, because if man's stature were prone to the
ground he would need to use his hands as fore-feet; and thus their
utility for other purposes would cease. Fourthly, because if man's
stature were prone to the ground, and he used his hands as fore-feet,
he would be obliged to take hold of his food with his mouth. Thus he
would have a protruding mouth, with thick and hard lips, and also a
hard tongue, so as to keep it from being hurt by exterior things; as we
see in other animals. Moreover, such an attitude would quite hinder
speech, which is reason's proper operation.
Nevertheless, though of erect stature, man is far above
plants. For man's superior part, his head, is turned towards the
superior part of the world, and his inferior part is turned towards the
inferior world; and therefore he is perfectly disposed as to the
general situation of his body. Plants have the superior part turned
towards the lower world, since their roots correspond to the mouth; and
their inferior part towards the upper world. But brute animals have a
middle disposition, for the superior part of the animal is that by
which it takes food, and the inferior part that by which it rids itself
of the surplus.
Article: 4
Whether the production of the human body is fittingly described in Scripture?
Objection 1: It would seem that the production of the human body
is not fittingly described in Scripture. For, as the human body was
made by God, so also were the other works of the six days. But in the
other works it is written, "God said; Let it be made, and it was made."
Therefore the same should have been said of man.
Objection 2: Further, the human body was made by God
immediately, as explained above (Article [2]). Therefore it was not
fittingly said, "Let us make man."
Objection 3: Further, the form of the human body is the soul
itself which is the breath of life. Therefore, having said, "God made
man of the slime of the earth," he should not have added: "And He
breathed into him the breath of life."
Objection 4: Further, the soul, which is the breath of life, is
in the whole body, and chiefly in the heart. Therefore it was not
fittingly said: "He breathed into his face the breath of life."
Objection 5: Further, the male and female sex belong to the
body, while the image of God belongs to the soul. But the soul,
according to Augustine (Gen. ad lit. vii, 24), was made before the
body. Therefore having said: "To His image He made them," he should not
have added, "male and female He created them."
On the contrary, Is the authority of Scripture.
Reply to Objection 1: As Augustine observes (Gen. ad lit. vi,
12), man surpasses other things, not in the fact that God Himself made
man, as though He did not make other things; since it is written (Ps.
101:26), "The work of Thy hands is the heaven," and elsewhere (Ps.
94:5), "His hands laid down the dry land"; but in this, that man is
made to God's image. Yet in describing man's production, Scripture uses
a special way of speaking, to show that other things were made for
man's sake. For we are accustomed to do with more deliberation and care
what we have chiefly in mind.
Reply to Objection 2: We must not imagine that when God said
"Let us make man," He spoke to the angels, as some were perverse enough
to think. But by these words is signified the plurality of the Divine
Person, Whose image is more clearly expressed in man.
Reply to Objection 3: Some have thought that man's body was
formed first in priority of time, and that afterwards the soul was
infused into the formed body. But it is inconsistent with the
perfection of the production of things, that God should have made
either the body without the soul, or the soul without the body, since
each is a part of human nature. This is especially unfitting as regards
the body, for the body depends on the soul, and not the soul on the
body.
To remove the difficulty some have said that the words,
"God made man," must be understood of the production of the body with
the soul; and that the subsequent words, "and He breathed into his face
the breath of life," should be understood of the Holy Ghost; as the
Lord breathed on His Apostles, saying, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (Jn.
20:22). But this explanation, as Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xiii, 24),
is excluded by the very words of Scripture. For we read farther on,
"And man was made a living soul"; which words the Apostle (1 Cor.
15:45) refers not to spiritual life, but to animal life. Therefore, by
breath of life we must understand the soul, so that the words, "He
breathed into his face the breath of life," are a sort of exposition of
what goes before; for the soul is the form of the body.
Reply to Objection 4: Since vital operations are more clearly
seen in man's face, on account of the senses which are there expressed;
therefore Scripture says that the breath of life was breathed into
man's face.
Reply to Objection 5: According to Augustine (Gen. ad lit. iv,
34), the works of the six days were done all at one time; wherefore
according to him man's soul, which he holds to have been made with the
angels, was not made before the sixth day; but on the sixth day both
the soul of the first man was made actually, and his body in its causal
elements. But other doctors hold that on the sixth day both body and
soul of man were actually made.
Question: 92 THE PRODUCTION OF THE WOMAN (FOUR ARTICLES)
We must next consider the production of the woman. Under this head there are four points of inquiry:
(1) Whether the woman should have been made in that first production of things?
(2) Whether the woman should have been made from man?
(3) Whether of man's rib?
(4) Whether the woman was made immediately by God?
Article: 1
Whether the woman should have been made in the first production of things?
Objection 1: It would seem that the woman should not have been
made in the first production of things. For the Philosopher says (De
Gener. ii, 3), that "the female is a misbegotten male." But nothing
misbegotten or defective should have been in the first production of
things. Therefore woman should not have been made at that first
production.
Objection 2: Further, subjection and limitation were a result of
sin, for to the woman was it said after sin (Gn. 3:16): "Thou shalt be
under the man's power"; and Gregory says that, "Where there is no sin,
there is no inequality." But woman is naturally of less strength and
dignity than man; "for the agent is always more honorable than the
patient," as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 16). Therefore woman
should not have been made in the first production of things before sin.
Objection 3: Further, occasions of sin should be cut off. But
God foresaw that the woman would be an occasion of sin to man.
Therefore He should not have made woman.
On the contrary, It is written (Gn. 2:18): "It is not good for
man to be alone; let us make him a helper like to himself."
I answer that, It was necessary for woman to be made, as the
Scripture says, as a "helper" to man; not, indeed, as a helpmate in
other works, as some say, since man can be more efficiently helped by
another man in other works; but as a helper in the work of generation.
This can be made clear if we observe the mode of generation carried out
in various living things. Some living things do not possess in
themselves the power of generation, but are generated by some other
specific agent, such as some plants and animals by the influence of the
heavenly bodies, from some fitting matter and not from seed: others
possess the active and passive generative power together; as we see in
plants which are generated from seed; for the noblest vital function in
plants is generation. Wherefore we observe that in these the active
power of generation invariably accompanies the passive power. Among
perfect animals the active power of generation belongs to the male sex,
and the passive power to the female. And as among animals there is a
vital operation nobler than generation, to which their life is
principally directed; therefore the male sex is not found in continual
union with the female in perfect animals, but only at the time of
coition; so that we may consider that by this means the male and female
are one, as in plants they are always united; although in some cases
one of them preponderates, and in some the other. But man is yet
further ordered to a still nobler vital action, and that is
intellectual operation. Therefore there was greater reason for the
distinction of these two forces in man; so that the female should be
produced separately from the male; although they are carnally united
for generation. Therefore directly after the formation of woman, it was
said: "And they shall be two in one flesh" (Gn. 2:24).
Reply to Objection 1: As regards the individual nature, woman is
defective and misbegotten, for the active force in the male seed tends
to the production of a perfect likeness in the masculine sex; while the
production of woman comes from defect in the active force or from some
material indisposition, or even from some external influence; such as
that of a south wind, which is moist, as the Philosopher observes (De
Gener. Animal. iv, 2). On the other hand, as regards human nature in
general, woman is not misbegotten, but is included in nature's
intention as directed to the work of generation. Now the general
intention of nature depends on God, Who is the universal Author of
nature. Therefore, in producing nature, God formed not only the male
but also the female.
Reply to Objection 2: Subjection is twofold. One is servile, by
virtue of which a superior makes use of a subject for his own benefit;
and this kind of subjection began after sin. There is another kind of
subjection which is called economic or civil, whereby the superior
makes use of his subjects for their own benefit and good; and this kind
of subjection existed even before sin. For good order would have been
wanting in the human family if some were not governed by others wiser
than themselves. So by such a kind of subjection woman is naturally
subject to man, because in man the discretion of reason predominates.
Nor is inequality among men excluded by the state of innocence, as we
shall prove (Question [96], Article [3]).
Reply to Objection 3: If God had deprived the world of all those
things which proved an occasion of sin, the universe would have been
imperfect. Nor was it fitting for the common good to be destroyed in
order that individual evil might be avoided; especially as God is so
powerful that He can direct any evil to a good end.
Article: 2
Whether woman should have been made from man?
Objection 1: It would seem that woman should not have been made
from man. For sex belongs both to man and animals. But in the other
animals the female was not made from the male. Therefore neither should
it have been so with man.
Objection 2: Further, things of the same species are of the same
matter. But male and female are of the same species. Therefore, as man
was made of the slime of the earth, so woman should have been made of
the same, and not from man.
Objection 3: Further, woman was made to be a helpmate to man in
the work of generation. But close relationship makes a person unfit for
that office; hence near relations are debarred from intermarriage, as
is written (Lev. 18:6). Therefore woman should not have been made from
man.
On the contrary, It is written (Ecclus. 17:5): "He created of
him," that is, out of man, "a helpmate like to himself," that is, woman.
I answer that, When all things were first formed, it was more
suitable for the woman to be made from man that (for the female to be
from the male) in other animals. First, in order thus to give the first
man a certain dignity consisting in this, that as God is the principle
of the whole universe, so the first man, in likeness to God, was the
principle of the whole human race. Wherefore Paul says that "God made
the whole human race from one" (Acts 17:26). Secondly, that man might
love woman all the more, and cleave to her more closely, knowing her to
be fashioned from himself. Hence it is written (Gn. 2:23,24): "She was
taken out of man, wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and
shall cleave to his wife." This was most necessary as regards the human
race, in which the male and female live together for life; which is not
the case with other animals. Thirdly, because, as the Philosopher says
(Ethic. viii, 12), the human male and female are united, not only for
generation, as with other animals, but also for the purpose of domestic
life, in which each has his or her particular duty, and in which the
man is the head of the woman. Wherefore it was suitable for the woman
to be made out of man, as out of her principle. Fourthly, there is a
sacramental reason for this. For by this is signified that the Church
takes her origin from Christ. Wherefore the Apostle says (Eph. 5:32):
"This is a great sacrament; but I speak in Christ and in the Church."
Reply to Objection 1:is clear from the foregoing.
Reply to Objection 2: Matter is that from which something is
made. Now created nature has a determinate principle; and since it is
determined to one thing, it has also a determinate mode of proceeding.
Wherefore from determinate matter it produces something in a
determinate species. On the other hand, the Divine Power, being
infinite, can produce things of the same species out of any matter,
such as a man from the slime of the earth, and a woman from out of man.
Reply to Objection 3: A certain affinity arises from natural
generation, and this is an impediment to matrimony. Woman, however, was
not produced from man by natural generation, but by the Divine Power
alone. Wherefore Eve is not called the daughter of Adam; and so this
argument does not prove.
Article: 3
Whether the woman was fittingly made from the rib of man?
Objection 1: It would seem that the woman should not have been
formed from the rib of man. For the rib was much smaller than the
woman's body. Now from a smaller thing a larger thing can be made
only---either by addition (and then the woman ought to have been
described as made out of that which was added, rather than out of the
rib itself)---or by rarefaction, because, as Augustine says (Gen. ad
lit. x): "A body cannot increase in bulk except by rarefaction." But
the woman's body is not more rarefied than man's---at least, not in the
proportion of a rib to Eve's body. Therefore Eve was not formed from a
rib of Adam.
Objection 2: Further, in those things which were first created
there was nothing superfluous. Therefore a rib of Adam belonged to the
integrity of his body. So, if a rib was removed, his body remained
imperfect; which is unreasonable to suppose.
Objection 3: Further, a rib cannot be removed from man without
pain. But there was no pain before sin. Therefore it was not right for
a rib to be taken from the man, that Eve might be made from it.
On the contrary, It is written (Gn. 2:22): "God built the rib, which He took from Adam, into a woman."
I answer that, It was right for the woman to be made from a rib
of man. First, to signify the social union of man and woman, for the
woman should neither "use authority over man," and so she was not made
from his head; nor was it right for her to be subject to man's contempt
as his slave, and so she was not made from his feet. Secondly, for the
sacramental signification; for from the side of Christ sleeping on the
Cross the Sacraments flowed---namely, blood and water---on which the
Church was established.
Reply to Objection 1: Some say that the woman's body was formed
by a material increase, without anything being added; in the same way
as our Lord multiplied the five loaves. But this is quite impossible.
For such an increase of matter would either be by a change of the very
substance of the matter itself, or by a change of its dimensions. Not
by change of the substance of the matter, both because matter,
considered in itself, is quite unchangeable, since it has a potential
existence, and has nothing but the nature of a subject, and because
quantity and size are extraneous to the essence of matter itself.
Wherefore multiplication of matter is quite unintelligible, as long as
the matter itself remains the same without anything added to it; unless
it receives greater dimensions. This implies rarefaction, which is for
the same matter to receive greater dimensions, as the Philosopher says
(Phys. iv). To say, therefore, that the same matter is enlarged,
without being rarefied, is to combine contradictories ---viz. the
definition with the absence of the thing defined.
Wherefore, as no rarefaction is apparent in such
multiplication of matter, we must admit an addition of matter: either
by creation, or which is more probable, by conversion. Hence Augustine
says (Tract. xxiv in Joan.) that "Christ filled five thousand men with
five loaves, in the same way as from a few seeds He produces the
harvest of corn"---that is, by transformation of the nourishment.
Nevertheless, we say that the crowds were fed with five loaves, or that
woman was made from the rib, because an addition was made to the
already existing matter of the loaves and of the rib.
Reply to Objection 2: The rib belonged to the integral
perfection of Adam, not as an individual, but as the principle of the
human race; just as the semen belongs to the perfection of the
begetter, and is released by a natural and pleasurable operation. Much
more, therefore, was it possible that by the Divine power the body of
the woman should be produced from the man's rib.
From this it is clear how to answer the third objection.
Article: 4
Whether the woman was formed immediately by God?
Objection 1: It would seem that the woman was not formed
immediately by God. For no individual is produced immediately by God
from another individual alike in species. But the woman was made from a
man who is of the same species. Therefore she was not made immediately
by God.
Objection 2: Further, Augustine (De Trin. iii, 4) says that
corporeal things are governed by God through the angels. But the
woman's body was formed from corporeal matter. Therefore it was made
through the ministry of the angels, and not immediately by God.
Objection 3: Further, those things which pre-exist in creatures
as to their causal virtues are produced by the power of some creature,
and not immediately by God. But the woman's body was produced in its
causal virtues among the first created works, as Augustine says (Gen.
ad lit. ix, 15). Therefore it was not produced immediately by God.
On the contrary, Augustine says, in the same work: "God alone,
to Whom all nature owes its existence, could form or build up the woman
from the man's rib."
I answer that, As was said above (Article [2], ad 2), the
natural generation of every species is from some determinate matter.
Now the matter whence man is naturally begotten is the human semen of
man or woman. Wherefore from any other matter an individual of the
human species cannot naturally be generated. Now God alone, the Author
of nature, can produce an effect into existence outside the ordinary
course of nature. Therefore God alone could produce either a man from
the slime of the earth, or a woman from the rib of man.
Reply to Objection 1: This argument is verified when an
individual is begotten, by natural generation, from that which is like
it in the same species.
Reply to Objection 2: As Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. ix, 15),
we do not know whether the angels were employed by God in the formation
of the woman; but it is certain that, as the body of man was not formed
by the angels from the slime of the earth, so neither was the body of
the woman formed by them from the man's rib.
Reply to Objection 3: As Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. ix, 18):
"The first creation of things did not demand that woman should be made
thus; it made it possible for her to be thus made." Therefore the body
of the woman did indeed pre-exist in these causal virtues, in the
things first created; not as regards active potentiality, but as
regards a potentiality passive in relation to the active potentiality
of the Creator.
Question: 93 THE END OR TERM OF THE PRODUCTION OF MAN (NINE ARTICLES)
We now treat of the end or term of man's production,
inasmuch as he is said to be made "to the image and likeness of God."
There are under this head nine points of inquiry:
(1) Whether the image of God is in man?
(2) Whether the image of God is in irrational creatures?
(3) Whether the image of God is in the angels more than in man?
(4) Whether the image of God is in every man?
(5) Whether the image of God is in man by comparison
with the Essence, or with all the Divine Persons, or with one of them?
(6) Whether the image of God is in man, as to his mind only?
(7) Whether the image of God is in man's power or in his habits and acts?
(8) Whether the image of God is in man by comparison with every object?
(9) Of the difference between "image" and "likeness."
Article: 1
Whether the image of God is in man?
Objection 1: It would seem that the image of God is not in man.
For it is written (Is. 40:18): "To whom have you likened God? or what
image will you make for Him?"
Objection 2: Further, to be the image of God is the property of
the First-Begotten, of Whom the Apostle says (Col. 1:15): "Who is the
image of the invisible God, the First-Born of every creature."
Therefore the image of God is not to be found in man.
Objection 3: Further, Hilary says (De Synod [*Super i can.
Synod. Ancyr.]) that "an image is of the same species as that which it
represents"; and he also says that "an image is the undivided and
united likeness of one thing adequately representing another." But
there is no species common to both God and man; nor can there be a
comparison of equality between God and man. Therefore there can be no
image of God in man.
On the contrary, It is written (Gn. 1:26): "Let Us make man to Our own image and likeness."
I answer that, As Augustine says (Questions. 83, qu. 74): "Where
an image exists, there forthwith is likeness; but where there is
likeness, there is not necessarily an image." Hence it is clear that
likeness is essential to an image; and that an image adds something to
likeness---namely, that it is copied from something else. For an
"image" is so called because it is produced as an imitation of
something else; wherefore, for instance, an egg, however much like and
equal to another egg, is not called an image of the other egg, because
it is not copied from it.
But equality does not belong to the essence of an image;
for as Augustine says (Questions. 83, qu. 74): "Where there is an image
there is not necessarily equality," as we see in a person's image
reflected in a glass. Yet this is of the essence of a perfect image;
for in a perfect image nothing is wanting that is to be found in that
of which it is a copy. Now it is manifest that in man there is some
likeness to God, copied from God as from an exemplar; yet this likeness
is not one of equality, for such an exemplar infinitely excels its
copy. Therefore there is in man a likeness to God; not, indeed, a
perfect likeness, but imperfect. And Scripture implies the same when it
says that man was made "to" God's likeness; for the preposition "to"
signifies a certain approach, as of something at a distance.
Reply to Objection 1: The Prophet speaks of bodily images made
by man. Therefore he says pointedly: "What image will you make for
Him?" But God made a spiritual image to Himself in man.
Reply to Objection 2: The First-Born of creatures is the perfect
Image of God, reflecting perfectly that of which He is the Image, and
so He is said to be the "Image," and never "to the image." But man is
said to be both "image" by reason of the likeness; and "to the image"
by reason of the imperfect likeness. And since the perfect likeness to
God cannot be except in an identical nature, the Image of God exists in
His first-born Son; as the image of the king is in his son, who is of
the same nature as himself: whereas it exists in man as in an alien
nature, as the image of the king is in a silver coin, as Augustine says
explains in De decem Chordis (Serm. ix, al, xcvi, De Tempore).
Reply to Objection 3: As unity means absence of division, a
species is said to be the same as far as it is one. Now a thing is said
to be one not only numerically, specifically, or generically, but also
according to a certain analogy or proportion. In this sense a creature
is one with God, or like to Him; but when Hilary says "of a thing which
adequately represents another," this is to be understood of a perfect
image.
Article: 2
Whether the image of God is to be found in irrational creatures?
Objection 1: It would seem that the image of God is to be found
in irrational creatures. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. ii): "Effects
are contingent images of their causes." But God is the cause not only
of rational, but also of irrational creatures. Therefore the image of
God is to be found in irrational creatures.
Objection 2: Further, the more distinct a likeness is, the
nearer it approaches to the nature of an image. But Dionysius says
(Div. Nom. iv) that "the solar ray has a very great similitude to the
Divine goodness." Therefore it is made to the image of God.
Objection 3: Further, the more perfect anything is in goodness,
the more it is like God. But the whole universe is more perfect in
goodness than man; for though each individual thing is good, all things
together are called "very good" (Gn. 1:31). Therefore the whole
universe is to the image of God, and not only man.
Objection 4: Further, Boethius (De Consol. iii) says of God:
"Holding the world in His mind, and forming it into His image."
Therefore the whole world is to the image of God, and not only the
rational creature.
On the contrary, Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. vi, 12): "Man's
excellence consists in the fact that God made him to His own image by
giving him an intellectual soul, which raises him above the beasts of
the field." Therefore things without intellect are not made to God's
image.
I answer that, Not every likeness, not even what is copied from
something else, is sufficient to make an image; for if the likeness be
only generic, or existing by virtue of some common accident, this does
not suffice for one thing to be the image of another. For instance, a
worm, though from man it may originate, cannot be called man's image,
merely because of the generic likeness. Nor, if anything is made white
like something else, can we say that it is the image of that thing; for
whiteness is an accident belonging to many species. But the nature of
an image requires likeness in species; thus the image of the king
exists in his son: or, at least, in some specific accident, and chiefly
in the shape; thus, we speak of a man's image in copper. Whence Hilary
says pointedly that "an image is of the same species."
Now it is manifest that specific likeness follows the
ultimate difference. But some things are like to God first and most
commonly because they exist; secondly, because they live; and thirdly
because they know or understand; and these last, as Augustine says
(Questions. 83, qu. 51) "approach so near to God in likeness, that
among all creatures nothing comes nearer to Him." It is clear,
therefore, that intellectual creatures alone, properly speaking, are
made to God's image.
Reply to Objection 1: Everything imperfect is a participation of
what is perfect. Therefore even what falls short of the nature of an
image, so far as it possesses any sort of likeness to God, participates
in some degree the nature of an image. So Dionysius says that effects
are "contingent images of their causes"; that is, as much as they
happen [contingit] to be so, but not absolutely.
Reply to Objection 2: Dionysius compares the solar ray to Divine
goodness, as regards its causality; not as regards its natural dignity
which is involved in the idea of an image.
Reply to Objection 3: The universe is more perfect in goodness
than the intellectual creature as regards extension and diffusion; but
intensively and collectively the likeness to the Divine goodness is
found rather in the intellectual creature, which has a capacity for the
highest good. Or else we may say that a part is not rightly divided
against the whole, but only against another part. Wherefore, when we
say that the intellectual nature alone is to the image of God, we do
not mean that the universe in any part is not to God's image, but that
the other parts are excluded.
Reply to Objection 4: Boethius here uses the word "image" to
express the likeness which the product of an art bears to the artistic
species in the mind of the artist. Thus every creature is an image of
the exemplar type thereof in the Divine mind. We are not, however,
using the word "image" in this sense; but as it implies a likeness in
nature, that is, inasmuch as all things, as being, are like to the
First Being; as living, like to the First Life; and as intelligent,
like to the Supreme Wisdom.
Article: 3
Whether the angels are more to the image of God than man is?
Objection 1: It would seem that the angels are not more to the
image of God than man is. For Augustine says in a sermon de Imagine
xliii (de verbis Apost. xxvii) that God granted to no other creature
besides man to be to His image. Therefore it is not true to say that
the angels are more than man to the image of God.
Objection 2: Further, according to Augustine (Questions. 83, qu.
51), "man is so much to God's image that God did not make any creature
to be between Him and man: and therefore nothing is more akin to Him."
But a creature is called God's image so far as it is akin to God.
Therefore the angels are not more to the image of God than man.
Objection 3: Further, a creature is said to be to God's image so
far as it is of an intellectual nature. But the intellectual nature
does not admit of intensity or remissness; for it is not an accidental
thing, since it is a substance. Therefore the angels are not more to
the image of God than man.
On the contrary, Gregory says (Hom. in Evang. xxxiv): "The angel
is called a "seal of resemblance" [Ezech. 28:12] because in him the
resemblance of the Divine image is wrought with greater expression."
I answer that, We may speak of God's image in two ways. First,
we may consider in it that in which the image chiefly consists, that
is, the intellectual nature. Thus the image of God is more perfect in
the angels than in man, because their intellectual nature is more
perfect, as is clear from what has been said (Question [58], Article
[3]; Question [79], Article [8]). Secondly, we may consider the image
of God in man as regards its accidental qualities, so far as to observe
in man a certain imitation of God, consisting in the fact that man
proceeds from man, as God from God; and also in the fact that the whole
human soul is in the whole body, as God from God; and also in the fact
that the whole human soul is in the whole body, and again, in every
part, as God is in regard to the whole world. In these and the like
things the image of God is more perfect in man than it is in the
angels. But these do not of themselves belong to the nature of the
Divine image in man, unless we presuppose the first likeness, which is
in the intellectual nature; otherwise even brute animals would be to
God's image. Therefore, as in their intellectual nature, the angels are
more to the image of God than man is, we must grant that, absolutely
speaking, the angels are more to the image of God than man is, but that
in some respects man is more like to God.
Reply to Objection 1: Augustine excludes the inferior creatures
bereft of reason from the image of God; but not the angels.
Reply to Objection 2: As fire is said to be specifically the
most subtle of bodies, while, nevertheless, one kind of fire is more
subtle than another; so we say that nothing is more like to God than
the human soul in its generic and intellectual nature, because as
Augustine had said previously, "things which have knowledge, are so
near to Him in likeness that of all creatures none are nearer."
Wherefore this does not mean that the angels are not more to God's
image.
Reply to Objection 3: When we say that substance does not admit
of more or less, we do not mean that one species of substance is not
more perfect than another; but that one and the same individual does
not participate in its specific nature at one time more than at
another; nor do we mean that a species of substance is shared among
different individuals in a greater or lesser degree.
Article: 4
Whether the image of God is found in every man?
Objection 1: It would seem that the image of God is not found in
every man. For the Apostle says that "man is the image of God, but
woman is the image [Vulg. glory] of man" (1 Cor. 11:7). Therefore, as
woman is an individual of the human species, it is clear that every
individual is not an image of God.
Objection 2: Further, the Apostle says (Rm. 8:29): "Whom God
foreknew, He also predestined to be made conformable to the image of
His Son." But all men are not predestined. Therefore all men have not
the conformity of image.
Objection 3: Further, likeness belongs to the nature of the
image, as above explained (Article [1]). But by sin man becomes unlike
God. Therefore he loses the image of God.
On the contrary, It is written (Ps. 38:7): "Surely man passeth as an image."
I answer that, Since man is said to be the image of God by
reason of his intellectual nature, he is the most perfectly like God
according to that in which he can best imitate God in his intellectual
nature. Now the intellectual nature imitates God chiefly in this, that
God understands and loves Himself. Wherefore we see that the image of
God is in man in three ways. First, inasmuch as man possesses a natural
aptitude for understanding and loving God; and this aptitude consists
in the very nature of the mind, which is common to all men. Secondly,
inasmuch as man actually and habitually knows and loves God, though
imperfectly; and this image consists in the conformity of grace.
Thirdly, inasmuch as man knows and loves God perfectly; and this image
consists in the likeness of glory. Wherefore on the words, "The light
of Thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us" (Ps. 4:7), the gloss
distinguishes a threefold image of "creation," of "re-creation," and of
"likeness." The first is found in all men, the second only in the just,
the third only in the blessed.
Reply to Objection 1: The image of God, in its principal
signification, namely the intellectual nature, is found both in man and
in woman. Hence after the words, "To the image of God He created him,"
it is added, "Male and female He created them" (Gn. 1:27). Moreover it
is said "them" in the plural, as Augustine (Gen. ad lit. iii, 22)
remarks, lest it should be thought that both sexes were united in one
individual. But in a secondary sense the image of God is found in man,
and not in woman: for man is the beginning and end of woman; as God is
the beginning and end of every creature. So when the Apostle had said
that "man is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of
man," he adds his reason for saying this: "For man is not of woman, but
woman of man; and man was not created for woman, but woman for man."
Reply to Objection 2:and 3: These reasons refer to the image consisting in the conformity of grace and glory.
Article: 5
Whether the image of God is in man according to the Trinity of Persons?
Objection 1: It would seem that the image of God does not exist
in man as to the Trinity of Persons. For Augustine says (Fulgentius De
Fide ad Petrum i): "One in essence is the Godhead of the Holy Trinity;
and one is the image to which man was made." And Hilary (De Trin. v)
says: "Man is made to the image of that which is common in the
Trinity." Therefore the image of God in man is of the Divine Essence,
and not of the Trinity of Persons.
Objection 2: Further, it is said (De Eccl. Dogmat.) that the
image of God in man is to be referred to eternity. Damascene also says
(De Fide Orth. ii, 12) that the image of God in man belongs to him as
"an intelligent being endowed with free-will and self-movement."
Gregory of Nyssa (De Homin. Opificio xvi) also asserts that, when
Scripture says that "man was made to the image of God, it means that
human nature was made a participator of all good: for the Godhead is
the fulness of goodness." Now all these things belong more to the unity
of the Essence than to the distinction of the Persons. Therefore the
image of God in man regards, not the Trinity of Persons, but the unity
of the Essence.
Objection 3: Further, an image leads to the knowledge of that of
which it is the image. Therefore, if there is in man the image of God
as to the Trinity of Persons; since man can know himself by his natural
reason, it follows that by his natural knowledge man could know the
Trinity of the Divine Persons; which is untrue, as was shown above
(Question [32], Article [1]).
Objection 4: Further, the name of Image is not applicable to any
of the Three Persons, but only to the Son; for Augustine says (De Trin.
vi, 2) that "the Son alone is the image of the Father." Therefore, if
in man there were an image of God as regards the Person, this would not
be an image of the Trinity, but only of the Son.
On the contrary, Hilary says (De Trin. iv): "The plurality of
the Divine Persons is proved from the fact that man is said to have
been made to the image of God."
I answer that, as we have seen (Question [40], Article [2]), the
distinction of the Divine Persons is only according to origin, or,
rather, relations of origin. Now the mode of origin is not the same in
all things, but in each thing is adapted to the nature thereof;
animated things being produced in one way, and inanimate in another;
animals in one way, and plants in another. Wherefore it is manifest
that the distinction of the Divine Persons is suitable to the Divine
Nature; and therefore to be to the image of God by imitation of the
Divine Nature does not exclude being to the same image by the
representation of the Divine Persons: but rather one follows from the
other. We must, therefore, say that in man there exists the image of
God, both as regards the Divine Nature and as regards the Trinity of
Persons; for also in God Himself there is one Nature in Three Persons.
Thus it is clear how to solve the first two objections.
Reply to Objection 3: This argument would avail if the image of
God in man represented God in a perfect manner. But, as Augustine says
(De Trin. xv, 6), there is a great difference between the trinity
within ourselves and the Divine Trinity. Therefore, as he there says:
"We see, rather than believe, the trinity which is in ourselves;
whereas we believe rather than see that God is Trinity."
Reply to Objection 4: Some have said that in man there is an
image of the Son only. Augustine rejects this opinion (De Trin. xii,
5,6). First, because as the Son is like to the Father by a likeness of
essence, it would follow of necessity if man were made in likeness to
the Son, that he is made to the likeness of the Father. Secondly,
because if man were made only to the image of the Son, the Father would
not have said, "Let Us make man to Our own image and likeness"; but "to
Thy image." When, therefore, it is written, "He made him to the image
of God," the sense is not that the Father made man to the image of the
Son only, Who is God, as some explained it, but that the Divine Trinity
made man to Its image, that is, of the whole Trinity. When it is said
that God "made man to His image," this can be understood in two ways:
first, so that this preposition "to" points to the term of the making,
and then the sense is, "Let Us make man in such a way that Our image
may be in him." Secondly, this preposition 'to' may point to the
exemplar cause, as when we say, "This book is made (like) to that one."
Thus the image of God is the very Essence of God, Which is incorrectly
called an image forasmuch as image is put for the exemplar. Or, as some
say, the Divine Essence is called an image because thereby one Person
imitates another.
Article: 6
Whether the image of God is in man as regards the mind only?
Objection 1: It would seem that the image of God is not only in
man's mind. For the Apostle says (1 Cor. 11:7) that "the man is the
image . . . of God." But man is not only mind. Therefore the image of
God is to be observed not only in his mind.
Objection 2: Further, it is written (Gn. 1:27): "God created man
to His own image; to the image of God He created him; male and female
He created them." But the distinction of male and female is in the
body. Therefore the image of God is also in the body, and not only in
the mind.
Objection 3: Further, an image seems to apply principally to the
shape of a thing. But shape belongs to the body. Therefore the image of
God is to be seen in man's body also, and not in his mind.
Objection 4: Further, according to Augustine (Gen. ad lit. xii,
7,24) there is a threefold vision in us, "corporeal," "spiritual," or
imaginary, and "intellectual." Therefore, if in the intellectual vision
that belongs to the mind there exists in us a trinity by reason of
which we are made to the image of God, for the like reason there must
be another trinity in the others.
On the contrary, The Apostle says (Eph. 4:23,24): "Be renewed in
the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man." Whence we are given
to understand that our renewal which consists in putting on the new
man, belongs to the mind. Now, he says (Col. 3:10): "Putting on the
new" man; "him who is renewed unto knowledge" of God, "according to the
image of Him that created him," where the renewal which consists in
putting on the new man is ascribed to the image of God. Therefore to be
to the image of God belongs to the mind only.
I answer that, While in all creatures there is some kind of
likeness to God, in the rational creature alone we find a likeness of
"image" as we have explained above (Articles [1],2); whereas in other
creatures we find a likeness by way of a "trace." Now the intellect or
mind is that whereby the rational creature excels other creatures;
wherefore this image of God is not found even in the rational creature
except in the mind; while in the other parts, which the rational
creature may happen to possess, we find the likeness of a "trace," as
in other creatures to which, in reference to such parts, the rational
creature can be likened. We may easily understand the reason of this if
we consider the way in which a "trace," and the way in which an
"image," represents anything. An "image" represents something by
likeness in species, as we have said; while a "trace" represents
something by way of an effect, which represents the cause in such a way
as not to attain to the likeness of species. For imprints which are
left by the movements of animals are called "traces": so also ashes are
a trace of fire, and desolation of the land a trace of a hostile army.
Therefore we may observe this difference between rational
creatures and others, both as to the representation of the likeness of
the Divine Nature in creatures, and as to the representation in them of
the uncreated Trinity. For as to the likeness of the Divine Nature,
rational creatures seem to attain, after a fashion, to the
representation of the species, inasmuch as they imitate God, not only
in being and life, but also in intelligence, as above explained
(Article [2]); whereas other creatures do not understand, although we
observe in them a certain trace of the Intellect that created them, if
we consider their disposition. Likewise as the uncreated Trinity is
distinguished by the procession of the Word from the Speaker, and of
Love from both of these, as we have seen (Question [28], Article [3]);
so we may say that in rational creatures wherein we find a procession
of the word in the intellect, and a procession of the love in the will,
there exists an image of the uncreated Trinity, by a certain
representation of the species. In other creatures, however, we do not
find the principle of the word, and the word and love; but we do see in
them a certain trace of the existence of these in the Cause that
produced them. For in the fact that a creature has a modified and
finite nature, proves that it proceeds from a principle; while its
species points to the (mental) word of the maker, just as the shape of
a house points to the idea of the architect; and order points to the
maker's love by reason of which he directs the effect to a good end; as
also the use of the house points to the will of the architect. So we
find in man a likeness to God by way of an "image" in his mind; but in
the other parts of his being by way of a "trace."
Reply to Objection 1: Man is called to the image of God; not
that he is essentially an image; but that the image of God is impressed
on his mind; as a coin is an image of the king, as having the image of
the king. Wherefore there is no need to consider the image of God as
existing in every part of man.
Reply to Objection 2: As Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 5), some
have thought that the image of God was not in man individually, but
severally. They held that "the man represents the Person of the Father;
those born of man denote the person of the Son; and that the woman is a
third person in likeness to the Holy Ghost, since she so proceeded from
man as not to be his son or daughter." All of this is manifestly
absurd; first, because it would follow that the Holy Ghost is the
principle of the Son, as the woman is the principle of the man's
offspring; secondly, because one man would be only the image of one
Person; thirdly, because in that case Scripture should not have
mentioned the image of God in man until after the birth of the
offspring. Therefore we must understand that when Scripture had said,
"to the image of God He created him," it added, "male and female He
created them," not to imply that the image of God came through the
distinction of sex, but that the image of God belongs to both sexes,
since it is in the mind, wherein there is no sexual distinction of sex,
but that the image of God belongs to both sexes, since it is in the
mind, wherein there is no sexual distinction. Wherefore the Apostle
(Col. 3:10), after saying, "According to the image of Him that created
him," added, "Where there is neither male nor female" [*these words are
in reality from Gal. 3:28] (Vulg. "neither Gentile nor Jew").
Reply to Objection 3: Although the image of God in man is not to
be found in his bodily shape, yet because "the body of man alone among
terrestrial animals is not inclined prone to the ground, but is adapted
to look upward to heaven, for this reason we may rightly say that it is
made to God's image and likeness, rather than the bodies of other
animals," as Augustine remarks (Questions. 83, qu. 51). But this is not
to be understood as though the image of God were in man's body; but in
the sense that the very shape of the human body represents the image of
God in the soul by way of a trace.
Reply to Objection 4: Both in the corporeal and in the imaginary
vision we may find a trinity, as Augustine says (De Trin. xi, 2). For
in corporeal vision there is first the species of the exterior body;
secondly, the act of vision, which occurs by the impression on the
sight of a certain likeness of the said species; thirdly, the intention
of the will applying the sight to see, and to rest on what is seen.
Likewise, in the imaginary vision we find first the
species kept in the memory; secondly, the vision itself, which is
caused by the penetrative power of the soul, that is, the faculty of
imagination, informed by the species; and thirdly, we find the
intention of the will joining both together. But each of these
trinities falls short of the Divine image. For the species of the
external body is extrinsic to the essence of the soul; while the
species in the memory, though not extrinsic to the soul, is
adventitious to it; and thus in both cases the species falls short of
representing the connaturality and co-eternity of the Divine Persons.
The corporeal vision, too, does not proceed only from the species of
the external body, but from this, and at the same time from the sense
of the seer; in like manner imaginary vision is not from the species
only which is preserved in the memory, but also from the imagination.
For these reasons the procession of the Son from the Father alone is
not suitably represented. Lastly the intention of the will joining the
two together, does not proceed from them either in corporeal or
spiritual vision. Wherefore the procession of the Holy Ghost from the
Father and the Son is not thus properly represented.
Article: 7
Whether the image of God is to be found in the acts of the soul?
Objection 1: It would seem that the image of God is not found in
the acts of the soul. For Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xi, 26), that
"man was made to God's image, inasmuch as we exist and know that we
exist, and love this existence and knowledge." But to exist does not
signify an act. Therefore the image of God is not to be found in the
soul's acts.
Objection 2: Further, Augustine (De Trin. ix, 4) assigns God's
image in the soul to these three things---mind, knowledge, and love.
But mind does not signify an act, but rather the power or the essence
of the intellectual soul. Therefore the image of God does not extend to
the acts of the soul.
Objection 3: Further, Augustine (De Trin. x, 11) assigns the
image of the Trinity in the soul to "memory, understanding, and will."
But these three are "natural powers of the soul," as the Master of the
Sentences says (1 Sent. D iii). Therefore the image of God is in the
powers, and does not extend to the acts of the soul.
Objection 4: Further, the image of the Trinity always remains in
the soul. But an act does not always remain. Therefore the image of God
does not extend to the acts.
On the contrary, Augustine (De Trin. xi, 2 seqq.) assigns the
trinity in the lower part of the soul, in relation to the actual
vision, whether sensible or imaginative. Therefore, also, the trinity
in the mind, by reason of which man is like to God's image, must be
referred to actual vision.
I answer that, As above explained (Article [2]), a certain
representation of the species belongs to the nature of an image. Hence,
if the image of the Divine Trinity is to be found in the soul, we must
look for it where the soul approaches the nearest to a representation
of the species of the Divine Persons. Now the Divine Persons are
distinct from each other by reason of the procession of the Word from
the Speaker, and the procession of Love connecting Both. But in our
soul word "cannot exist without actual thought," as Augustine says (De
Trin. xiv, 7). Therefore, first and chiefly, the image of the Trinity
is to be found in the acts of the soul, that is, inasmuch as from the
knowledge which we possess, by actual thought we form an internal word;
and thence break forth into love. But, since the principles of acts are
the habits and powers, and everything exists virtually in its
principle, therefore, secondarily and consequently, the image of the
Trinity may be considered as existing in the powers, and still more in
the habits, forasmuch as the acts virtually exist therein.
Reply to Objection 1: Our being bears the image of God so far as
if is proper to us, and excels that of the other animals, that is to
say, in so far as we are endowed with a mind. Therefore, this trinity
is the same as that which Augustine mentions (De Trin. ix, 4), and
which consists in mind, knowledge, and love.
Reply to Objection 2: Augustine observed this trinity, first, as
existing in the mind. But because the mind, though it knows itself
entirely in a certain degree, yet also in a way does not know
itself---namely, as being distinct from others (and thus also it
searches itself, as Augustine subsequently proves---De Trin. x, 3,4);
therefore, as though knowledge were not in equal proportion to mind, he
takes three things in the soul which are proper to the mind, namely,
memory, understanding, and will; which everyone is conscious of
possessing; and assigns the image of the Trinity pre-eminently to these
three, as though the first assignation were in part deficient.
Reply to Objection 3: As Augustine proves (De Trin. xiv, 7), we
may be said to understand, will, and to love certain things, both when
we actually consider them, and when we do not thing of them. When they
are not under our actual consideration, they are objects of our memory
only, which, in his opinion, is nothing else than habitual retention of
knowledge and love [*Cf. Question [79], Article [7], ad 1]. "But
since," as he says, "a word cannot be there without actual thought (for
we think everything that we say, even if we speak with that interior
word belonging to no nation's tongue), this image chiefly consists in
these three things, memory, understanding, and will. And by
understanding I mean here that whereby we understand with actual
thought; and by will, love, or dilection I mean that which unites this
child with its parent." From which it is clear that he places the image
of the Divine Trinity more in actual understanding and will, than in
these as existing in the habitual retention of the memory; although
even thus the image of the Trinity exists in the soul in a certain
degree, as he says in the same place. Thus it is clear that memory,
understanding, and will are not three powers as stated in the Sentences.
Reply to Objection 4: Someone might answer by referring to
Augustine's statement (De Trin. xiv, 6), that "the mind ever remembers
itself, ever understands itself, ever loves itself"; which some take to
mean that the soul ever actually understands, and loves itself. But he
excludes this interpretation by adding that "it does not always think
of itself as actually distinct from other things." Thus it is clear
that the soul always understands and loves itself, not actually but
habitually; though we might say that by perceiving its own act, it
understands itself whenever it understands anything. But since it is
not always actually understanding, as in the case of sleep, we must say
that these acts, although not always actually existing, yet ever exist
in their principles, the habits and powers. Wherefore, Augustine says
(De Trin. xiv, 4): "If the rational soul is made to the image of God in
the sense that it can make use of reason and intellect to understand
and consider God, then the image of God was in the soul from the
beginning of its existence."
Article: 8
Whether the image of the Divine Trinity is in the soul only by comparison with God as its object?
Objection 1: It would seem that the image of the Divine Trinity
is in the soul not only by comparison with God as its object. For the
image of the Divine Trinity is to be found in the soul, as shown above
(Article [7]), according as the word in us proceeds from the speaker;
and love from both. But this is to be found in us as regards any
object. Therefore the image of the Divine Trinity is in our mind as
regards any object.
Objection 2: Further, Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 4) that
"when we seek trinity in the soul, we seek it in the whole of the soul,
without separating the process of reasoning in temporal matters from
the consideration of things eternal." Therefore the image of the
Trinity is to be found in the soul, even as regards temporal objects.
Objection 3: Further, it is by grace that we can know and love
God. If, therefore, the image of the Trinity is found in the soul by
reason of the memory, understanding, and will or love of God, this
image is not in man by nature but by grace, and thus is not common to
all.
Objection 4: Further, the saints in heaven are most perfectly
conformed to the image of God by the beatific vision; wherefore it is
written (2 Cor. 3:18): "We . . . are transformed into the same image
from glory to glory." But temporal things are known by the beatific
vision. Therefore the image of God exists in us even according to
temporal things.
On the contrary, Augustine says (De Trin. xiv, 12): "The image
of God exists in the mind, not because it has a remembrance of itself,
loves itself, and understands itself; but because it can also remember,
understand, and love God by Whom it was made." Much less, therefore, is
the image of God in the soul, in respect of other objects.
I answer that, As above explained (Articles [2],7), image means
a likeness which in some degree, however small, attains to a
representation of the species. Wherefore we need to seek in the image
of the Divine Trinity in the soul some kind of representation of
species of the Divine Persons, so far as this is possible to a
creature. Now the Divine Persons, as above stated (Articles [6],7), are
distinguished from each other according to the procession of the word
from the speaker, and the procession of love from both. Moreover the
Word of God is born of God by the knowledge of Himself; and Love
proceeds from God according as He loves Himself. But it is clear that
diversity of objects diversifies the species of word and love; for in
the human mind the species of a stone is specifically different from
that of a horse, which also the love regarding each of them is
specifically different. Hence we refer the Divine image in man to the
verbal concept born of the knowledge of God, and to the love derived
therefrom. Thus the image of God is found in the soul according as the
soul turns to God, or possesses a nature that enables it to turn to
God. Now the mind may turn towards an object in two ways: directly and
immediately, or indirectly and mediately; as, for instance, when anyone
sees a man reflected in a looking-glass he may be said to be turned
towards that man. So Augustine says (De Trin. xiv, 8), the "the mind
remembers itself, understands itself, and loves itself. If we perceive
this, we perceive a trinity, not, indeed, God, but, nevertheless,
rightly called the image of God." But this is due to the fact, not that
the mind reflects on itself absolutely, but that thereby it can
furthermore turn to God, as appears from the authority quoted above
(Arg. On the contrary).
Reply to Objection 1: For the notion of an image it is not
enough that something proceed from another, but it is also necessary to
observe what proceeds and whence it proceeds; namely, that what is Word
of God proceeds from knowledge of God.
Reply to Objection 2: In all the soul we may see a kind of
trinity, not, however, as though besides the action of temporal things
and the contemplation of eternal things, "any third thing should be
required to make up the trinity," as he adds in the same passage. But
in that part of the reason which is concerned with temporal things,
"although a trinity may be found; yet the image of God is not to be
seen there," as he says farther on; forasmuch as this knowledge of
temporal things is adventitious to the soul. Moreover even the habits
whereby temporal things are known are not always present; but sometimes
they are actually present, and sometimes present only in memory even
after they begin to exist in the soul. Such is clearly the case with
faith, which comes to us temporally for this present life; while in the
future life faith will no longer exist, but only the remembrance of
faith.
Reply to Objection 3: The meritorious knowledge and love of God
can be in us only by grace. Yet there is a certain natural knowledge
and love as seen above (Question [12], Article [12]; Question [56],
Article [3]; Question [60], Article [5]). This, too, is natural that
the mind, in order to understand God, can make use of reason, in which
sense we have already said that the image of God abides ever in the
soul; "whether this image of God be so obsolete," as it were clouded,
"as almost to amount to nothing," as in those who have not the use of
reason; "or obscured and disfigured," as in sinners; or "clear and
beautiful," as in the just; as Augustine says (De Trin. xiv, 6).
Reply to Objection 4: By the vision of glory temporal things
will be seen in God Himself; and such a vision of things temporal will
belong to the image of God. This is what Augustine means (De Trin. xiv,
6), when he says that "in that nature to which the mind will blissfully
adhere, whatever it sees it will see as unchangeable"; for in the
Uncreated Word are the types of all creatures.
Article: 9
Whether "likeness" is properly distinguished from "image"?
Objection 1: It would seem that "likeness" is not properly
distinguished from "image." For "genus" is not properly distinguished
from "species." Now, "likeness" is to "image" as genus to species:
because, "where there is image, forthwith there is likeness, but not
conversely" as Augustine says (Questions. 83, qu. 74). Therefore
"likeness" is not properly to be distinguished from "image."
Objection 2: Further, the nature of the image consists not only
in the representation of the Divine Persons, but also in the
representation of the Divine Essence, to which representation belong
immortality and indivisibility. So it is not true to say that the
"likeness is in the essence because it is immortal and indivisible;
whereas the image is in other things" (Sent. ii, D, xvi).
Objection 3: Further, the image of God in man is threefold---the
image of nature, of grace, and of glory, as above explained (Article
[4]). But innocence and righteousness belong to grace. Therefore it is
incorrectly said (Sent. ii, D, xvi) "that the image is taken from the
memory, the understanding and the will, while the likeness is from
innocence and righteousness."
Objection 4: Further, knowledge of truth belongs to the
intellect, and love of virtue to the will; which two things are parts
of the image. Therefore it is incorrect to say (Sent. ii, D, xvi) that
"the image consists in the knowledge of truth, and the likeness in the
love of virtue."
On the contrary, Augustine says (Questions. 83, qu. 51): "Some
consider that these two were mentioned not without reason, namely
"image" and "likeness," since, if they meant the same, one would have
sufficed."
I answer that, Likeness is a kind of unity, for oneness in
quality causes likeness, as the Philosopher says (Metaph. v, Did. iv,
15). Now, since "one" is a transcendental, it is both common to all,
and adapted to each single thing, just as the good and the true.
Wherefore, as the good can be compared to each individual thing both as
its preamble, and as subsequent to it, as signifying some perfection in
it, so also in the same way there exists a kind of comparison between
"likeness" and "image." For the good is a preamble to man, inasmuch as
man is an individual good; and, again, the good is subsequent to man,
inasmuch as we may say of a certain man that he is good, by reason of
his perfect virtue. In like manner, likeness may be considered in the
light of a preamble to image, inasmuch as it is something more general
than image, as we have said above (Article [1]): and, again, it may be
considered as subsequent to image, inasmuch as it signifies a certain
perfection of image. For we say that an image is like or unlike what it
represents, according as the representation is perfect or imperfect.
Thus likeness may be distinguished from image in two ways: first as its
preamble and existing in more things, and in this sense likeness
regards things which are more common than the intellectual properties,
wherein the image is properly to be seen. In this sense it is stated
(Questions. 83, qu. 51) that "the spirit" (namely, the mind) without
doubt was made to the image of God. "But the other parts of man,"
belonging to the soul's inferior faculties, or even to the body, "are
in the opinion of some made to God's likeness." In this sense he says
(De Quant. Animae ii) that the likeness of God is found in the soul's
incorruptibility; for corruptible and incorruptible are differences of
universal beings. But likeness may be considered in another way, as
signifying the expression and perfection of the image. In this sense
Damascene says (De Fide Orth. ii, 12) that the image implies "an
intelligent being, endowed with free-will and self-movement, whereas
likeness implies a likeness of power, as far as this may be possible in
man." In the same sense "likeness" is said to belong to "the love of
virtue": for there is no virtue without love of virtue.
Reply to Objection 1: "Likeness" is not distinct from "image" in
the general notion of "likeness" (for thus it is included in "image");
but so far as any "likeness" falls short of "image," or again, as it
perfects the idea of "image."
Reply to Objection 2: The soul's essence belongs to the "image,"
as representing the Divine Essence in those things which belong to the
intellectual nature; but not in those conditions subsequent to general
notions of being, such as simplicity and indissolubility.
Reply to Objection 3: Even certain virtues are natural to the
soul, at least, in their seeds, by reason of which we may say that a
natural "likeness" exists in the soul. Nor it is unfitting to us the
term "image" from one point of view and from another the term
"likeness."
Reply to Objection 4: Love of the word, which is knowledge
loved, belongs to the nature of "image"; but love of virtue belongs to
"likeness," as virtue itself belongs to likeness.
Question: 94 OF THE STATE AND CONDITION OF THE FIRST MAN AS REGARDS HIS INTELLECT (FOUR ARTICLES)
We next consider the state or condition of the first man;
first, as regards his soul; secondly, as regards his body. Concerning
the first there are two things to be considered: (1) The condition of
man as to his intellect; (2) the condition of man as to his will.
Under the first head there are four points of inquiry:
(1) Whether the first man saw the Essence of God?
(2) Whether he could see the separate substances, that is, the angels?
(3) Whether he possessed all knowledge?
(4) Whether he could err or be deceived?
Article: 1
Whether the first man saw God through His Essence?
Objection 1: It would seem that the first man saw God through
His Essence. For man's happiness consists in the vision of the Divine
Essence. But the first man, "while established in paradise, led a life
of happiness in the enjoyment of all things," as Damascene says (De
Fide Orth. ii, 11). And Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xiv, 10): "If man
was gifted with the same tastes as now, how happy must he have been in
paradise, that place of ineffable happiness!" Therefore the first man
in paradise saw God through His Essence.
Objection 2: Further, Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xiv, loc.
cit.) that "the first man lacked nothing which his good-will might
obtain." But our good-will can obtain nothing better than the vision of
the Divine Essence. Therefore man saw God through His Essence.
Objection 3: Further, the vision of God is His Essence is
whereby God is seen without a medium or enigma. But man in the state of
innocence "saw God immediately," as the Master of the Sentences asserts
(Sent. iv, D, i). He also saw without an enigma, for an enigma implies
obscurity, as Augustine says (De Trin. xv, 9). Now, obscurity resulted
from sin. Therefore man in the primitive state saw God through His
Essence.
On the contrary, The Apostle says (1 Cor. 15:46): "That was not
first which is spiritual, but that which is natural." But to see God
through His Essence is most spiritual. Therefore the first man in the
primitive state of his natural life did not see God through His Essence.
I answer that, The first man did not see God through His Essence
if we consider the ordinary state of that life; unless, perhaps, it be
said that he saw God in a vision, when "God cast a deep sleep upon
Adam" (Gn. 2:21). The reason is because, since in the Divine Essence is
beatitude itself, the intellect of a man who sees the Divine Essence
has the same relation to God as a man has to beatitude. Now it is clear
that man cannot willingly be turned away from beatitude, since
naturally and necessarily he desires it, and shuns unhappiness.
Wherefore no one who sees the Essence of God can willingly turn away
from God, which means to sin. Hence all who see God through His Essence
are so firmly established in the love of God, that for eternity they
can never sin. Therefore, as Adam did sin, it is clear that he did not
see God through His Essence.
Nevertheless he knew God with a more perfect knowledge
than we do now. Thus in a sense his knowledge was midway between our
knowledge in the present state, and the knowledge we shall have in
heaven, when we see God through His Essence. To make this clear, we
must consider that the vision of God through His Essence is
contradistinguished from the vision of God through His creatures. Now
the higher the creature is, and the more like it is to God, the more
clearly is God seen in it; for instance, a man is seen more clearly
through a mirror in which his image is the more clearly expressed. Thus
God is seen in a much more perfect manner through His intelligible
effects than through those which are only sensible or corporeal. But in
his present state man is impeded as regards the full and clear
consideration of intelligible creatures, because he is distracted by
and occupied with sensible things. Now, it is written (Eccles. 7:30):
"God made man right." And man was made right by God in this sense, that
in him the lower powers were subjected to the higher, and the higher
nature was made so as not to be impeded by the lower. Wherefore the
first man was not impeded by exterior things from a clear and steady
contemplation of the intelligible effects which he perceived by the
radiation of the first truth, whether by a natural or by a gratuitous
knowledge. Hence Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xi, 33) that, "perhaps
God used to speak to the first man as He speaks to the angels; by
shedding on his mind a ray of the unchangeable truth, yet without
bestowing on him the experience of which the angels are capable in the
participation of the Divine Essence." Therefore, through these
intelligible effects of God, man knew God then more clearly than we
know Him now.
Reply to Objection 1: Man was happy in paradise, but not with
that perfect happiness to which he was destined, which consists in the
vision of the Divine Essence. He was, however, endowed with "a life of
happiness in a certain measure," as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xi,
18), so far as he was gifted with natural integrity and perfection.
Reply to Objection 2: A good will is a well-ordered will; but
the will of the first man would have been ill-ordered had he wished to
have, while in the state of merit, what had been promised to him as a
reward.
Reply to Objection 3: A medium (of knowledge) is twofold; one
through which, and, at the same time, in which, something is seen, as,
for example, a man is seen through a mirror, and is seen with the
mirror: another kind of medium is that whereby we attain to the
knowledge of something unknown; such as the medium in a demonstration.
God was seen without this second kind of medium, but not without the
first kind. For there was no need for the first man to attain to the
knowledge of God by demonstration drawn from an effect, such as we
need; since he knew God simultaneously in His effects, especially in
the intelligible effects, according to His capacity. Again, we must
remark that the obscurity which is implied in the word enigma may be of
two kinds: first, so far as every creature is something obscure when
compared with the immensity of the Divine light; and thus Adam saw God
in an enigma, because he saw Him in a created effect: secondly, we may
take obscurity as an effect of sin, so far as man is impeded in the
consideration of intelligible things by being preoccupied with sensible
things; in which sense Adam did not see God in an enigma.
Article: 2
Whether Adam in the state of innocence saw the angels through their essence?
Objection 1: It would seem that Adam, in the state of innocence,
saw the angels through their essence. For Gregory says (Dialog. iv, 1):
"In paradise man was accustomed to enjoy the words of God; and by
purity of heart and loftiness of vision to have the company of the good
angels."
Objection 2: Further, the soul in the present state is impeded
from the knowledge of separate substances by union with a corruptible
body which "is a load upon the soul," as is written Wis. 9:15.
Wherefore the separate soul can see separate substances, as above
explained (Question [89], Article [2]). But the body of the first man
was not a load upon his soul; for the latter was not corruptible.
Therefore he was able to see separate substances.
Objection 3: Further, one separate substance knows another
separate substance, by knowing itself (De Causis xiii). But the soul of
the first man knew itself. Therefore it knew separate substances.
On the contrary, The soul of Adam was of the same nature as
ours. But our souls cannot now understand separate substances.
Therefore neither could Adam's soul.
I answer that, The state of the human soul may be distinguished
in two ways. First, from a diversity of mode in its natural existence;
and in this point the state of the separate soul is distinguished from
the state of the soul joined to the body. Secondly, the state of the
soul is distinguished in relation to integrity and corruption, the
state of natural existence remaining the same: and thus the state of
innocence is distinct from the state of man after sin. For man's soul,
in the state of innocence, was adapted to perfect and govern the body;
wherefore the first man is said to have been made into a "living soul";
that is, a soul giving life to the body---namely animal life. But he
was endowed with integrity as to this life, in that the body was
entirely subject to the soul, hindering it in no way, as we have said
above (Article [1]). Now it is clear from what has been already said
(Question [84], Article [7]; Question [85], Article [1]; Question [89],
Article [1]) that since the soul is adapted to perfect and govern the
body, as regards animal life, it is fitting that it should have that
mode of understanding which is by turning to phantasms. Wherefore this
mode of understanding was becoming to the soul of the first man also.
Now, in virtue of this mode of understanding, there are
three degrees of movement in the soul, as Dionysius says (Div. Nom.
iv). The first is by the soul "passing from exterior things to
concentrate its powers on itself"; the second is by the soul ascending
"so as to be associated with the united superior powers," namely the
angels; the third is when the soul is "led on" yet further "to the
supreme good," that is, to God.
In virtue of the first movement of the soul from exterior
things to itself, the soul's knowledge is perfected. This is because
the intellectual operation of the soul has a natural order to external
things, as we have said above (Question [87], Article [3]): and so by
the knowledge thereof, our intellectual operation can be known
perfectly, as an act through its object. And through the intellectual
operation itself, the human intellect can be known perfectly, as a
power through its proper act. But in the second movement we do not find
perfect knowledge. Because, since the angel does not understand by
turning to phantasms, but by a far more excellent process, as we have
said above (Question [55], Article [2]); the above-mentioned mode of
knowledge, by which the soul knows itself, is not sufficient to lead it
to the knowledge of an angel. Much less does the third movement lead to
perfect knowledge: for even the angels themselves, by the fact that
they know themselves, are not able to arrive at the knowledge of the
Divine Substance, by reason of its surpassing excellence. Therefore the
soul of the first man could not see the angels in their essence.
Nevertheless he had a more excellent mode of knowledge regarding the
angels than we possess, because his knowledge of intelligible things
within him was more certain and fixed than our knowledge. And it was on
account of this excellence of knowledge that Gregory says that "he
enjoyed the company of the angelic spirits."
This makes clear the reply to the first objection.
Reply to Objection 2: That the soul of the first man fell short
of the knowledge regarding separate substances, was not owing to the
fact that the body was a load upon it; but to the fact that its
connatural object fell short of the excellence of separate substances.
We, in our present state, fall short on account of both these reasons.
Reply to Objection 3: The soul of the first man was not able to
arrive at knowledge of separate substances by means of its
self-knowledge, as we have shown above; for even each separate
substance knows others in its own measure.
Article: 3
Whether the first man knew all things?
Objection 1: It would seem that the first man did not know all
things. For if he had such knowledge it would be either by acquired
species, or by connatural species, or by infused species. Not, however,
by acquired species; for this kind of knowledge is acquired by
experience, as stated in Metaph. i, 1; and the first man had not then
gained experience of all things. Nor through connatural species,
because he was of the same nature as we are; and our soul, as Aristotle
says (De Anima iii, 4), is "like a clean tablet on which nothing is
written." And if his knowledge came by infused species, it would have
been of a different kind from ours, which we acquire from things
themselves.
Objection 2: Further, individuals of the same species have the
same way of arriving at perfection. Now other men have not, from the
beginning, knowledge of all things, but they acquire it in the course
of time according to their capacity. Therefore neither did Adam know
all things when he was first created.
Objection 3: Further, the present state of life is given to man
in order that his soul may advance in knowledge and merit; indeed, the
soul seems to be united to the body for that purpose. Now man would
have advanced in merit in that state of life; therefore also in
knowledge. Therefore he was not endowed with knowledge of all things.
On the contrary, Man named the animals (Gn. 2:20). But names
should be adapted to the nature of things. Therefore Adam knew the
animals' natures; and in like manner he was possessed of the knowledge
of all other things.
I answer that, In the natural order, perfection comes before
imperfection, as act precedes potentiality; for whatever is in
potentiality is made actual only by something actual. And since God
created things not only for their own existence, but also that they
might be the principles of other things; so creatures were produced in
their perfect state to be the principles as regards others. Now man can
be the principle of another man, not only by generation of the body,
but also by instruction and government. Hence, as the first man was
produced in his perfect state, as regards his body, for the work of
generation, so also was his soul established in a perfect state to
instruct and govern others.
Now no one can instruct others unless he has knowledge,
and so the first man was established by God in such a manner as to have
knowledge of all those things for which man has a natural aptitude. And
such are whatever are virtually contained in the first self-evident
principles, that is, whatever truths man is naturally able to know.
Moreover, in order to direct his own life and that of others, man needs
to know not only those things which can be naturally known, but also
things surpassing natural knowledge; because the life of man is
directed to a supernatural end: just as it is necessary for us to know
the truths of faith in order to direct our own lives. Wherefore the
first man was endowed with such a knowledge of these supernatural
truths as was necessary for the direction of human life in that state.
But those things which cannot be known by merely human effort, and
which are not necessary for the direction of human life, were not known
by the first man; such as the thoughts of men, future contingent
events, and some individual facts, as for instance the number of
pebbles in a stream; and the like.
Reply to Objection 1: The first man had knowledge of all things
by divinely infused species. Yet his knowledge was not different from
ours; as the eyes which Christ gave to the man born blind were not
different from those given by nature.
Reply to Objection 2: To Adam, as being the first man, was due
to a degree of perfection which was not due to other men, as is clear
from what is above explained.
Reply to Objection 3: Adam would have advanced in natural
knowledge, not in the number of things known, but in the manner of
knowing; because what he knew speculatively he would subsequently have
known by experience. But as regards supernatural knowledge, he would
also have advanced as regards the number of things known, by further
revelation; as the angels advance by further enlightenment. Moreover
there is no comparison between advance in knowledge and advance in
merit; since one man cannot be a principle of merit to another,
although he can be to another a principle of knowledge.
Article: 4
Whether man in his first state could be deceived?
Objection 1: It would seem that man in his primitive state could
have been deceived. For the Apostle says (1 Tim. 2:14) that "the woman
being seduced was in the transgression."
Objection 2: Further, the Master says (Sent. ii, D, xxi) that,
"the woman was not frightened at the serpent speaking, because she
thought that he had received the faculty of speech from God." But this
was untrue. Therefore before sin the woman was deceived.
Objection 3: Further, it is natural that the farther off
anything is from us, the smaller it seems to be. Now, the nature of the
eyes is not changed by sin. Therefore this would have been the case in
the state of innocence. Wherefore man would have been deceived in the
size of what he saw, just as he is deceived now.
Objection 4: Further, Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii, 2) that,
in sleep the soul adheres to the images of things as if they were the
things themselves. But in the state of innocence man would have eaten
and consequently have slept and dreamed. Therefore he would have been
deceived, adhering to images as to realities.
Objection 5: Further, the first man would have been ignorant of
other men's thoughts, and of future contingent events, as stated above
(Article [3]). So if anyone had told him what was false about these
things, he would have been deceived.
On the contrary, Augustine says (De Lib. Arb. iii, 18): "To
regard what is true as false, is not natural to man as created; but is
a punishment of man condemned."
I answer that, in the opinion of some, deception may mean two
things; namely, any slight surmise, in which one adheres to what is
false, as though it were true, but without the assent of belief---or it
may mean a firm belief. Thus before sin Adam could not be deceived in
either of these ways as regards those things to which his knowledge
extended; but as regards things to which his knowledge did not extend,
he might have been deceived, if we take deception in the wide sense of
the term for any surmise without assent of belief. This opinion was
held with the idea that it is not derogatory to man to entertain a
false opinion in such matters, and that provided he does not assent
rashly, he is not to be blamed.
Such an opinion, however, is not fitting as regards the
integrity of the primitive state of life; because, as Augustine says
(De Civ. Dei xiv, 10), in that state of life "sin was avoided without
struggle, and while it remained so, no evil could exist." Now it is
clear that as truth is the good of the intellect, so falsehood is its
evil, as the Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 2). So that, as long as the
state of innocence continued, it was impossible for the human intellect
to assent to falsehood as if it were truth. For as some perfections,
such as clarity, were lacking in the bodily members of the first man,
though no evil could be therein; so there could be in his intellect the
absence of some knowledge, but no false opinion.
This is clear also from the very rectitude of the
primitive state, by virtue of which, while the soul remained subject to
God, the lower faculties in man were subject to the higher, and were no
impediment to their action. And from what has preceded (Question [85],
Article [6]), it is clear that as regards its proper object the
intellect is ever true; and hence it is never deceived of itself; but
whatever deception occurs must be ascribed to some lower faculty, such
as the imagination or the like. Hence we see that when the natural
power of judgment is free we are not deceived by such images, but only
when it is not free, as is the case in sleep. Therefore it is clear
that the rectitude of the primitive state was incompatible with
deception of the intellect.
Reply to Objection 1: Though the woman was deceived before she
sinned in deed, still it was not till she had already sinned by
interior pride. For Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xi, 30) that "the
woman could not have believed the words of the serpent, had she not
already acquiesced in the love of her own power, and in a presumption
of self-conceit."
Reply to Objection 2: The woman thought that the serpent had
received this faculty, not as acting in accordance with nature, but by
virtue of some supernatural operation. We need not, however, follow the
Master of the Sentences in this point.
Reply to Objection 3: Were anything presented to the imagination
or sense of the first man, not in accordance with the nature of things,
he would not have been deceived, for his reason would have enabled him
to judge the truth.
Reply to Objection 4: A man is not accountable for what occurs
during sleep; as he has not then the use of his reason, wherein
consists man's proper action.
Reply to Objection 5: If anyone had said something untrue as
regards future contingencies, or as regards secret thoughts, man in the
primitive state would not have believed it was so: but he might have
believed that such a thing was possible; which would not have been to
entertain a false opinion.
It might also be said that he would have been divinely
guided from above, so as not to be deceived in a matter to which his
knowledge did not extend.
If any object, as some do, that he was not guided, when
tempted, though he was then most in need of guidance, we reply that man
had already sinned in his heart, and that he failed to have recourse to
the Divine aid.
Question: 95 OF THINGS PERTAINING TO THE FIRST MAN'S WILL---NAMELY, GRACE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS (FOUR ARTICLES)
We next consider what belongs to the will of the first
man; concerning which there are two points of treatment: (1) the grace
and righteousness of the first man; (2) the use of righteousness as
regards his dominion over other things.
Under the first head there are four points of inquiry:
(1) Whether the first man was created in grace?
(2) Whether in the state of innocence he had passions of the soul?
(3) Whether he had all virtues?
(4) Whether what he did would have been as meritorious as now?
Article: 1
Whether the first man was created in grace?
Objection 1: It would seem that the first man was not created in
grace. For the Apostle, distinguishing between Adam and Christ, says (1
Cor. 15:45): "The first Adam was made into a living soul; the last Adam
into a quickening spirit." But the spirit is quickened by grace.
Therefore Christ alone was made in grace.
Objection 2: Further, Augustine says (Questions. Vet. et Nov.
Test., qu. 123) [*Work of an anonymous author, among the supposititious
works of St. Augustine] that "Adam did not possess the Holy Ghost." But
whoever possesses grace has the Holy Ghost. Therefore Adam was not
created in grace.
Objection 3: Further, Augustine says (De Correp. et Grat. x)
that "God so ordered the life of the angels and men, as to show first
what they could do by free-will, then what they could do by His grace,
and by the discernment of righteousness." God thus first created men
and angels in the state of natural free-will only; and afterwards
bestowed grace on them.
Objection 4: Further, the Master says (Sent. ii, D, xxiv): "When
man was created he was given sufficient help to stand, but not
sufficient to advance." But whoever has grace can advance by merit.
Therefore the first man was not created in grace.
Objection 5: Further, the reception of grace requires the
consent of the recipient, since thereby a kind of spiritual marriage
takes place between God and the soul. But consent presupposes
existence. Therefore man did not receive grace in the first moment of
his creation.
Objection 6: Further, nature is more distant from grace than
grace is from glory, which is but grace consummated. But in man grace
precedes glory. Therefore much more did nature precede grace.
On the contrary, Man and angel are both ordained to grace. But
the angels were created in grace, for Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xii,
9): "God at the same time fashioned their nature and endowed them with
grace." Therefore man also was created in grace.
I answer that, Some say that man was not created in grace; but
that it was bestowed on him subsequently before sin: and many
authorities of the Saints declare that man possessed grace in the state
of innocence.
But the very rectitude of the primitive state, wherewith
man was endowed by God, seems to require that, as others say, he was
created in grace, according to Eccles. 7:30, "God made man right." For
this rectitude consisted in his reason being subject to God, the lower
powers to reason, and the body to the soul: and the first subjection
was the cause of both the second and the third; since while reason was
subject to God, the lower powers remained subject to reason, as
Augustine says [*Cf. De Civ. Dei xiii, 13; De Pecc. Merit. et Remiss.
i, 16]. Now it is clear that such a subjection of the body to the soul
and of the lower powers to reason, was not from nature; otherwise it
would have remained after sin; since even in the demons the natural
gifts remained after sin, as Dionysius declared (Div. Nom. iv). Hence
it is clear that also the primitive subjection by virtue of which
reason was subject to God, was not a merely natural gift, but a
supernatural endowment of grace; for it is not possible that the effect
should be of greater efficiency than the cause. Hence Augustine says
(De Civ. Dei xiii, 13) that, "as soon as they disobeyed the Divine
command, and forfeited Divine grace, they were ashamed of their
nakedness, for they felt the impulse of disobedience in the flesh, as
though it were a punishment corresponding to their own disobedience."
Hence if the loss of grace dissolved the obedience of the flesh to the
soul, we may gather that the inferior powers were subjected to the soul
through grace existing therein.
Reply to Objection 1: The Apostle in these words means to show
that there is a spiritual body, if there is an animal body, inasmuch as
the spiritual life of the body began in Christ, who is "the firstborn
of the dead," as the body's animal life began in Adam. From the
Apostle's words, therefore, we cannot gather that Adam had no spiritual
life in his soul; but that he had not spiritual life as regards the
body.
Reply to Objection 2: As Augustine says in the same passage, it
is not disputed that Adam, like other just souls, was in some degree
gifted with the Holy Ghost; but "he did not possess the Holy Ghost, as
the faithful possess Him now," who are admitted to eternal happiness
directly after death.
Reply to Objection 3: This passage from Augustine does not
assert that angels or men were created with natural free-will before
they possessed grace; but that God shows first what their free-will
could do before being confirmed in grace, and what they acquired
afterwards by being so confirmed.
Reply to Objection 4: The Master here speaks according to the
opinion of those who held that man was not created in grace, but only
in a state of nature. We may also say that, though man was created in
grace, yet it was not by virtue of the nature wherein he was created
that he could advance by merit, but by virtue of the grace which was
added.
Reply to Objection 5: As the motion of the will is not
continuous there is nothing against the first man having consented to
grace even in the first moment of his existence.
Reply to Objection 6: We merit glory by an act of grace; but we
do not merit grace by an act of nature; hence the comparison fails.
Article: 2
Whether passions existed in the soul of the first man?
Objection 1: It would seem that the first man's soul had no
passions. For by the passions of the soul "the flesh lusteth against
the spirit" (Gal. 5:7). But this did not happen in the state of
innocence. Therefore in the state of innocence there were no passions
of the soul.
Objection 2: Further, Adam's soul was nobler than his body. But
his body was impassible. Therefore no passions were in his soul.
Objection 3: Further, the passions of the soul are restrained by
the moral virtues. But in Adam the moral virtues were perfect.
Therefore the passions were entirely excluded from him.
On the contrary, Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xiv, 10) that "in
our first parents there was undisturbed love of God," and other
passions of the soul.
I answer that, The passions of the soul are in the sensual
appetite, the object of which is good and evil. Wherefore some passions
of the soul are directed to what is good, as love and joy; others to
what is evil, as fear and sorrow. And since in the primitive state,
evil was neither present nor imminent, nor was any good wanting which a
good-will could desire to have then, as Augustine says (De Civ. Dei
xiv, 10), therefore Adam had no passion with evil as its object; such
as fear, sorrow, and the like; neither had he passions in respect of
good not possessed, but to be possessed then, as burning concupiscence.
But those passions which regard present good, as joy and love; or which
regard future good to be had at the proper time, as desire and hope
that casteth not down, existed in |