What do we do when some claim that the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New? Origen dismantles the false division between justice and goodness, showing that the same God is both just and merciful. Augustine reflects on the created wisdom that points beyond itself to the eternal Wisdom of God, making clear that our minds are made for Him. And Aquinas strips down all the supposed sources of happiness — wealth, honor, power, pleasure, even virtue — until only God Himself is left as the true fulfillment of the human soul (Psalm 73:25–26).
Readings:
Origen, De Principiis (Peri Archon), "On First Principles," Book 1, Chapter 5
Augustine, The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 20 (Section 26)
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Question 2
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