ANSELMIAN Meaning and
Definition
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Anselmian refers to the philosophical and theological ideas associated with Saint Anselm of Canterbury, an 11th-century Christian theologian, philosopher, and Archbishop. Anselmian thought centers around the ontological argument for the existence of God, known as the "ontological proof," which posits that the mere concept or idea of a perfect being entails its existence. Anselmian thought also encompasses his theory of atonement, known as "satisfaction theory," which argues that Jesus' death and resurrection served as a necessary satisfaction for the sins of humanity.
Within philosophical discourse, Anselmian thought is frequently analyzed in terms of its contributions to metaphysics, particularly with regard to the nature of God, existence, and reality. Anselmian metaphysics emphasizes the ideal state of being, often characterized as the maximally perfect being, and explores the relationship between God and creation, including the nature of divine attributes such as omniscience, omnipotence, and omnibenevolence.
In theological theology, Anselmian ideas greatly influenced the development of Christian doctrine, particularly in relation to Christian apologetics, atonement theories, and understanding the nature of God's existence. Anselmian theology has profoundly influenced subsequent Christian theologians and philosophers, making him a significant figure in the history of Western religious thought.
Overall, Anselmian, as an adjective, describes concepts, arguments, or theories that are associated with or influenced by the philosophical and theological teachings of Anselm of Canterbury, emphasizing his unique contributions to the understanding of God, existence, and the nature of reality.
Etymology of ANSELMIAN
The word "Anselmian" comes from the name Anselm, which is derived from the Germanic elements "ans" meaning "god" or "divine" and "helm" meaning "helmet" or "protection". Anselm is an Old Germanic given name that was later Latinized as "Anselmus".
The term "Anselmian" is primarily used to refer to anything related to or influenced by Saint Anselm of Canterbury, who was an 11th-century Benedictine monk, philosopher, and theologian. As such, the term was likely coined to describe the ideas, teachings, or followers of Saint Anselm, similar to how terms like "Augustinian" or "Thomistic" are used to describe followers or proponents of the theological or philosophical systems founded by Saint Augustine or Saint Thomas Aquinas, respectively.
