Abstract

The going forth and return of all things to God is a fundamental structural theme in Thomas' philosophical theology. The present study explores certain themes within this movement, specifically those connected with the noetic dimension of the return to God. Thomas conceives this return as occurring by way of likeness--a concept that is explored in some detail with respect to its history and its role in metaphysics, epistemology, and religion. Created in the likeness of God, human beings are destined for a deiformity that is realized in and through their cognitive and affective capacities. The study considers the instrumentality of these capacities and specifically those pertaining to knowledge: the gifts of understanding and wisdom, contemplation, rapture, and finally the beatific vision itself. Also, a chapter and an appendix are devoted to exploring Thomas' conception of the role of dreams in the return to God. Special emphasis is given in the study to the concept of 'religious experience.' This is first examined as a subject of much current interest in the philosophy and psychology of religion. Does Thomas have a contribution to make to our understanding of religious experience in these areas? With this question in mind, passages in Thomas' writings are examined where he uses 'experience' terms in a specifically religious sense, especially as this implies a kind of perception or knowledge of God. The study concludes with a treatment of the knowledge of God per essentiam in the beatific vision: the culmination of the returning movement in which human cognitive capacities are most fully assimilated to God