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Writer's pictureMichelle Hayman

Aristotelian Influence: When Philosophy Complicates the Gospel Message


The integration of Aristotelian metaphysics into Catholic theology creates a tricky blend of philosophy and faith. Aristotle's ideas can help those desperate to understand our existence and reality, but using them in the Church raises questions about how we interpret the Bible. Some believe that relying too much on human reasoning can cloud the essential truths found in Scripture, steering believers away from the straightforward message of the Gospel. As we dig into this topic, it's crucial to see how these philosophical ideas might clash with God’s revelations and the core beliefs of Christianity.


In Aristotle's philosophy, substance refers to the essential nature or true identity of an object, while accidents are the changeable qualities—such as color, size, or shape—that do not alter the object’s core essence. For example, a tree's substance is its essence as a tree, while its green leaves or rough bark are accidents. This framework attempts to explain the stability of identity amid change, but it raises questions when applied to theological concepts, especially in relation to the sacraments.


By relying on Aristotelian metaphysics, the doctrine of transubstantiation attempts to explain a mystery that Scripture presents as faith-driven, rather than philosophically defined. When Jesus established the Lord's Supper, his language emphasized symbolic remembrance, instructing, "This do in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Nowhere in Scripture does it define a need for metaphysical categorization of the elements themselves.

Moreover, applying Aristotelian categories to divine mysteries can risk elevating human philosophy to a level where it might overshadow divine revelation. Scripture cautions believers to rely on God’s word rather than human wisdom:


“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8).


This verse warns against being misled by human philosophies and traditions that do not align with the teachings of Christ, highlighting the importance of grounding beliefs in Scripture rather than in man-made doctrines or rationalizations. cautioning believers to be wary of philosophy that does not align with the truths found in Christ. Elevating Aristotelian metaphysics within the framework of faith risks undermining the core message of Christ, which emphasizes reliance on divine revelation over human reasoning. This approach can inadvertently shift focus from God’s authority and the sufficiency of His Word, as seen in,

2 Timothy 3:16-17

 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."


This verse emphasizes the authority and sufficiency of Scripture as divinely inspired, countering any notion that human philosophy should take precedence over God's revealed truth, which states that all Scripture is inspired by God and equips believers for every good work. By prioritizing human intellect, the Church may dilute the truth of the Gospel, leading to confusion about the nature of faith and the power of God’s revelation.


The incorporation of Aristotelian metaphysics into Catholic doctrine raises significant concerns regarding the integrity of biblical teachings. Aristotelian thought, particularly its emphasis on substance and accidents, often complicates the understanding of spiritual truths by prioritizing human reasoning over divine revelation. However, Scripture frames these practices as acts of faith, emphasizing communion rather than philosophical inquiry. The breaking of bread and drinking of wine during the Lord's Supper symbolizes a remembrance meal, not a literal act of cannibalism. This is particularly significant considering that God explicitly forbade the consumption of blood in Leviticus 17:10-14, underscoring the importance of understanding the Lord's Supper in its proper context as a spiritual celebration rather than a physical act.


In John 6:53-58,

"Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."


Jesus uses metaphorical language to convey profound spiritual truths rather than a literal directive to consume his flesh and blood. The context shows that he is emphasizing the necessity of faith in him for eternal life, symbolizing a deep spiritual communion with him.


If we interpret these verses literally, it raises logical contradictions: if the apostles and believers consumed his physical flesh, they would still die, as evidenced by the apostles' deaths. This illustrates that Jesus is speaking about a spiritual sustenance that leads to eternal life, not a physical act. His reference to "eating" and "drinking" signifies belief and acceptance of his sacrifice, embodying the promise of eternal life through faith, rather than a call to literal cannibalism. The metaphor highlights the essential relationship between believers and Christ, where the act of faith sustains spiritual life, aligning with the understanding that physical consumption does not equate to eternal existence.


In other words


If the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) about the Eucharist were to be taken literally, it raises a significant question: if the apostles consumed Christ's literal flesh and blood, why did they ultimately die? If the apostles were promised eternal life and ascension to heaven, then it raises questions about their actual fate.

Historically, many of Christ's apostles were murdered by Roman authorities suggesting that their deaths did not align with the expectation of ascension. This discrepancy highlights the reality of their sacrifices and the challenges they endured for their faith, contrasting with the claims surrounding Mary's assumption. It prompts us to consider the nature of these narratives and their implications for understanding apostolic authority and martyrdom in early Christianity.

Jesus’ statement implies that those who eat his flesh and drink his blood will have eternal life. However, since all the apostles eventually passed away, this literal interpretation seems contradictory. It suggests that the act of consuming the Eucharist in this context does not confer the promised eternal life in the way that is commonly understood, challenging the RCC's teaching on transubstantiation.


Perhaps Jesus was speaking in a spiritual context regarding both Himself and His apostles.




Ultimately, the foundation of the Christian faith should rest solely on Scripture, by prioritizing human philosophies like Aristotelian metaphysics, the Church risks undermining the clear teachings of the Bible and diverting believers from the straightforward message of the Gospel. The complexity introduced by such philosophies detracts from the simplicity and power of God's Word, which should remain the ultimate guide for faith and practice.


 According to Scripture, human wisdom has limitations when it comes to spiritual truths. In passages like 1 Corinthians 1:20–25,

"Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."


Paul critiques the value of human wisdom when it conflicts with God’s revelation, asserting that "the foolishness of God is wiser than men." Scripture cautions believers not to lean on worldly frameworks but to rely on God’s Word, which claims completeness and sufficiency for teaching and understanding spiritual truths (2 Timothy 3:16-17).


The use of Aristotelian metaphysics within the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation risks leading believers away from the simplicity of the Gospel by encouraging a dependence on philosophical reasoning over scriptural truth. By focusing on Aristotle’s concepts of "substance" and "accidents" to explain Christ’s presence in the Eucharist, the Church effectively imposes an intellectual layer that can overshadow a direct and personal understanding of faith. This approach may unintentionally diminish believers’ spiritual autonomy, guiding them toward a framework that relies on human categorization and philosophical constructs rather than the pure teachings of the Bible.


The New Testament frequently emphasizes faith in Christ and a personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to understand and live out the Gospel (John 14:26; Romans 8:9). Introducing metaphysical explanations as essential to understanding communion risks leading followers into a ritualistic framework that necessitates Church-defined interpretations, rather than allowing for a direct, scripturally-grounded relationship with Christ. This approach subtly redirects the believer’s trust away from the sufficiency of Scripture and toward human institutions and philosophical constructs, potentially diminishing the personal and transformative experience of the Gospel.


The Catholic Church’s reliance on Aristotelian metaphysics, particularly in understanding the doctrine of transubstantiation, undermines the teachings of Christ by prioritizing human reasoning over divine revelation. The Gospel calls for believers to interpret Scripture through the lens of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:12:

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."


This verse emphasizes the importance of receiving spiritual insight from God rather than relying on worldly wisdom. It reinforces the idea that true understanding and knowledge come through the Holy Spirit, aligning with the belief that believers should interpret Scripture through divine guidance.


But the Church's adherence to philosophical frameworks creates a barrier to personal understanding and spiritual enlightenment.


This philosophical approach can lead believers away from a direct relationship with Christ, as they are instructed to rely on the institution's interpretation rather than seeking God’s truth individually. The Church's modifications of key commandments—such as the Sabbath observance and prohibitions against idolatry—further complicate this relationship, positioning human tradition as a substitute for true worship.


Jesus made it clear that divided loyalties hinder true discipleship, declaring,


“He that is not with me is against me” Matthew 12:30.


This suggests that Catholic doctrine, which intertwines human philosophy with faith, may inadvertently lead followers away from authentic Christian living and understanding.


By placing tradition and institutional authority above the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, Catholics risk losing the essence of the Gospel, which is rooted in personal faith and the direct guidance of God. This systemic reliance on external interpretation diminishes the autonomy of believers in Christ, reducing their relationship with God to mere compliance with man-made doctrines instead of fostering a genuine faith experience grounded in Scripture.


Relying on complex philosophy to explain divine mysteries, the Church elevates human wisdom to a place it should not occupy, placing believers in a system where faith becomes mediated by philosophy rather than experienced through the simplicity of the Gospel. This approach risks alienating those who seek an unmediated relationship with God and may lead them away from the foundational truths that Christ intended to be accessible to all, not just to those schooled in philosophy.

The arrogance of humanity has consistently led to our collective downfall, as we seek to unravel the mysteries of God through our own self importance, flawed reasoning, and philosophies. This drive to understand and explain divine truths often results in the distortion of God's Word, reducing its profound simplicity to complex dogmas that can alienate believers. When human intellect takes precedence over spiritual insight, we risk losing sight of the core message of the Gospel—a message that is inherently simple, yet deeply transformative.


By prioritizing philosophical constructs over the straightforward truths of Scripture, individuals may find themselves trapped in a web of confusion and misinterpretation. The teachings of Christ emphasize faith, humility, and a personal relationship with God, rather than an intricate understanding of metaphysical concepts. In this way, the pursuit of human wisdom can distract from the grace and truth that is freely offered in the Gospel.


Ultimately, the determination to resolve God’s mysteries through the lens of human philosophy not only complicates our understanding but can also lead to spiritual stagnation. It undermines the essential belief that true wisdom comes from a humble heart and a willingness to accept God’s Word as it is. By embracing the simplicity of God's message, we open ourselves to a genuine relationship with Him, one that transcends the limitations of human thought and acknowledges our dependence on divine revelation. In rejecting this simplicity, we risk losing our way, straying further from the path of faith that leads to salvation.


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