The Thomistic Institute

Thomas Aquinas and the Theological Virtue of Hope in Times of Quiet Despair – Prof. Rik Van Nieuwenhove

Apr 2, 2026
Rik Van Nieuwenhove, Professor of Medieval Theology at Durham University, explores Aquinas's distinction between natural and theological hope. He traces hope as an infused virtue aimed at sharing in divine beatitude. Short takes include hope amid earthly despair, acedia and spiritual distraction, presumption, and hope's bearing on suffering, death, and the paschal interpretation of pain.
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INSIGHT

Supernatural Hope Outlasts Youth

  • Supernatural hope is not tied to youth and aging; it gives a durable 'not-yet' rooted in spiritual youthfulness.
  • Quoting Josef Pieper and Thomas, Rik contrasts natural hope (fades with age) with a hope that sustains the elderly by orienting them to the afterlife.
INSIGHT

Hope Reaches God Through Reliance

  • Hoping for what we can only reach by God's help already draws us toward God; hope 'reaches' God by reliance on Him.
  • Van Nieuwenhove cites Thomas: hope for what is possible through divine assistance makes hope an incipient union with God.
ADVICE

Use Hope To Fuel Practical Good

  • Do not use theological hope as an escape from worldly injustice; instead let it inspire practical efforts to improve life here and now.
  • Rik advises hope should motivate creating conditions where people can pursue knowledge and love of God amid pressing needs.
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