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To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
Thomas Aquinas
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Faith provides understanding without the need for explanations, while a lack of faith renders explanations ineffective.

This quote by Thomas Aquinas conveys the idea that faith acts as a lens through which individuals perceive and understand their beliefs and experiences. For those who possess faith, the truths of their beliefs are self-evident and require no justification; however, for those who lack faith, no amount of reasoning or explanation will suffice to make those truths understandable or meaningful.

Themes

FaithUnderstandingBeliefTruthExplanation

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a sermon to emphasize the importance of faith in spiritual understanding.

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Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures.
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