Divine Omnipotence and the Liberal Arts in Peter Damian and Peter Abelard (original) (raw)

Rethinking Abelard, 2014

Abstract

This chapter compares Peter Damian and Peter Abelard's approaches to the question of divine omnipotence. It then explores in brief the approaches of the major theologians of the twelfth century to see whether either of the two intellectuals under discussion had a significant impact on later treatments. In tracing back Abelard's treatments of divine omnipotence to Peter Damian and by comparing the issue to other thinkers, the chapter obtains a clearer view of the methods that both of these intellectuals employed, and what place they occupy within the dynamic intellectual movements of this period. Peter Abelard's position on the nature of the relationship between the liberal arts and theology is perhaps less ambiguous. Abelard therefore interprets Jerome's statement as follows: God is a rational being; it is therefore impossible for Him to will or act contrary to reason. Keywords: divine omnipotence; God; Jerome; liberal arts; Peter Abelard; Peter Damian

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