Godsplaining Did St. Anselm prove God exists?
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Feb 26, 2026 A lively dive into the ontological and cosmological arguments for God's existence. A deep look at St. Anselm's famous reductio and why necessity matters. Discussion of historical objections from Aquinas and Kant and why the debate still captivates thinkers. A blend of philosophy, theology, and devotional reflection.
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Ontological Argument Is A Priori Reasoning
- The ontological argument reasons from the concept of being rather than from experience.
- Fr. Bonaventure explains Anselm defines God as "that than which nothing greater can be thought" and draws existence from that concept.
Anselm's Reductio Shows God Must Exist
- Anselm's proof uses reductio ad absurdum to show God must exist if we can conceive of the greatest possible being.
- He assumes "that than which nothing greater can be thought" exists only in the mind and shows this leads to contradiction unless it exists in reality.
Anselm's Argument Serves Faith Seeking Understanding
- Anselm's aim is faith seeking understanding, not persuading nonbelievers.
- He opens the Proslogion with prayer asking God to grant understanding of the belief that God exists and is what believers hold.