Doctrine on the Image of God: Comparison of St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologiae to Augustine Earlier Writings Zeus Greek 12th Grade

In patristic thought, the philosophers St. Thomas Aquinas and Augustine agree on the philosophy that God is the exemplar of all created things likeness; that creation is an imitation of God’s image. According to their writings, St Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologiae and Augustine Earlier Writings other concepts of man’s likeness to the image of God are elaborated showing comparisons between the doctrines but also subtle differences. Saint Aquinas and Augustine are prominent for their major contribution to theology and philosophy. Aquinas was influenced by Aristotle while Augustine was more inclined to the philosophies of Plato, the influences of their inspirations are seen in their philosophies of the soul, knowledge, incorporeal and theoretical thinking on reason and faith. Augustine’s views and philosophies influenced some of Aquinas’ ideals in his beliefs. They both agree that God is the entity of ultimate knowledge and man can know God through reason even though they cannot fully understand Him. Augustine’s philosophy elements found in man such as reason, intellect, existence, memory are also seen in Aquinas’ works. In regards to the image of God both the philosophers hold that human beings have an imperfect likeness to God...