Anselm of Canterbury
Early Life and Education
Anselm of Canterbury, also known as Anselm of Aosta, was born in 1033 in Aosta, a town in the Kingdom of Burgundy, which is now part of modern-day Italy. His family was of noble lineage, and his father, Gundulf, was a Lombard nobleman. Anselm's mother, Ermenberga, was of Burgundian descent. From an early age, Anselm showed a keen interest in learning and a deep inclination towards monastic life.
At the age of 15, Anselm sought to join a monastery but was refused due to his father's opposition. After his mother's death, Anselm left home and traveled across the Alps to France. He eventually settled at the Abbey of Bec in Normandy in 1059, where he became a disciple of the renowned theologian and philosopher Lanfranc of Pavia. Under Lanfranc's tutelage, Anselm honed his skills in scholastic philosophy and theology, which laid the foundation for his future works.
Monastic Career and Philosophical Contributions
Anselm's monastic career began in earnest when he joined the Benedictine order at Bec in 1060. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming prior in 1063 and abbot in 1078. During his tenure, Anselm devoted himself to the intellectual and spiritual life, producing works that would establish him as a leading figure in medieval philosophy and theology.
One of Anselm's most significant contributions to philosophy is the development of the ontological argument for the existence of God. This argument, first articulated in his work "Proslogion," posits that the very concept of God as the greatest conceivable being implies God's existence. Anselm's argument has been the subject of extensive debate and analysis, influencing subsequent philosophers such as Descartes and Kant.
In addition to his philosophical endeavors, Anselm made substantial contributions to theological discourse. His treatise "Cur Deus Homo" ("Why God Became Man") explores the doctrine of atonement, proposing that Christ's incarnation and sacrifice were necessary to satisfy divine justice and redeem humanity. This work laid the groundwork for the satisfaction theory of atonement, which became a cornerstone of Western theological thought.
Archbishop of Canterbury
Anselm's reputation as a scholar and theologian eventually led to his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093, succeeding his mentor Lanfranc. His tenure as archbishop was marked by significant political and ecclesiastical challenges, particularly in his relations with the English monarchy.
Anselm's appointment coincided with the reign of King William II, also known as William Rufus. The king's attempts to exert control over the church led to conflicts with Anselm, who staunchly defended the autonomy of the church from secular interference. This struggle culminated in Anselm's exile to Rome in 1097, where he sought the support of Pope Urban II.
Upon his return to England in 1100, Anselm continued to advocate for ecclesiastical reform and the primacy of the papacy. His efforts were instrumental in the resolution of the investiture controversy, a conflict between church and state over the appointment of bishops. Anselm's negotiations with King Henry I resulted in the Concordat of London in 1107, which established a compromise on the issue of lay investiture.
Later Years and Legacy
In his later years, Anselm continued to write and engage in theological discourse. His works, including "Monologion" and "De Veritate," further explored themes of faith, reason, and the nature of truth. Anselm's synthesis of faith and reason became a defining characteristic of his thought, influencing the development of scholasticism in the High Middle Ages.
Anselm passed away on April 21, 1109, in Canterbury, England. He was canonized as a saint in 1494 by Pope Alexander VI, and his feast day is celebrated on April 21. Anselm's intellectual legacy endures through his contributions to philosophy and theology, and he is often regarded as the "Father of Scholasticism."