There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is curiosity. There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others; that is vanity. There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love. (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, +1153)
Day: August 20, 2025
The Theologian versus the Rationalist: Bernard and Abelard
BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE Saint Peter’s Square Wednesday, 4 November 2009 Two Theological Models in Comparison: Bernard and Abelard Dear Brothers and Sisters, In my last Catechesis I presented the main features of 12th-century monastic theology and scholastic theology which, in a certain sense, we might call respectively “theology of the heart” and “theology of reason”. Among[…]
Pope Benedict and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the Mellifluous Doctor
GENERAL AUDIENCE Saint Peter’s Square Wednesday, 21 October 2009 Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today I would like to talk about St Bernard of Clairvaux, called “the last of the Fathers” of the Church because once again in the 12th century he renewed and brought to the fore the important theology of[…]