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Introduction: Anselm and the Search for Truth

Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109) is a towering figure in the history of Christian thought. His contributions to theology and philosophy, particularly in the realm of apologetics, have shaped centuries of discussion on the rationality of faith and the existence of God. Born in Aosta, Piedmont (modern-day Italy), Anselm eventually rose to become the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093 C.E. Despite the complex intellectual climate of his time, Anselm is remembered for his steadfast devotion to scriptural authority and his belief in the harmony of faith and reason.

This article examines Anselm’s most notable works and arguments, focusing on his approach to proving the existence of God and defending Christian doctrine. By carefully analyzing his methods and conclusions, we aim to understand how his ideas align with the Historical-Grammatical interpretation of Scripture and serve as tools for apologetics.

Faith and Reason in Anselm’s Theology

Anselm’s famous phrase “faith seeking understanding” encapsulates his approach to theology. While his foundation rested on faith in the revelation of Scripture, he believed that reason could be employed to deepen one’s comprehension of divine truths. Anselm wrote:

“I do not seek to understand so that I may believe, but I believe so that I may understand. For I believe this: unless I believe, I will not understand” (Proslogion, Chapter 1).

This perspective reflects the biblical mandate to love God with all one’s mind (Matthew 22:37) and to be prepared to give a reasoned defense of one’s faith (1 Peter 3:15). For Anselm, faith was not irrational but provided the proper framework for rational exploration of theological truths.

Anselm’s Arguments for the Existence of God

The Cosmological Arguments

Before formulating his most famous ontological argument, Anselm presented several cosmological arguments in his earlier work, Monologion. These arguments are based on the observation of the world and the necessity of a Supreme Cause. They include reasoning from goodness, perfection, and being to the existence of God.

For example, Anselm argued from goodness to a singular source of all goodness:

“Good things exist. The cause of this goodness is either one or many. But it cannot be many, for then there would be no way to compare their goodness, for all things would be equally good. But some things are better than others. Therefore, one Supreme Good (God) causes the goodness in all good things.”

Similarly, he reasoned from the degrees of perfection in creation to the existence of a perfect being, echoing Paul’s words in Romans 1:20:

“For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made.”

These cosmological arguments are grounded in observations of the natural world and align with biblical teachings that creation testifies to the Creator’s existence (Psalm 19:1).

The Ontological Argument

Anselm’s most famous contribution to apologetics is his ontological argument, presented in Proslogion. This argument begins not with observation but with a definition of God as “that than which nothing greater can be conceived.” Anselm reasoned that:

God is by definition the greatest conceivable being.
It is greater to exist in reality than merely in the mind.
Therefore, God must exist in reality, for if he did not, he would not be the greatest conceivable being.

Anselm’s second formulation of the argument focused on the necessity of God’s existence:

God is a Necessary Being.
A Necessary Being must exist, for non-existence would contradict its necessity.
Therefore, God necessarily exists.

While Anselm’s ontological argument has been critiqued, particularly by Immanuel Kant, it remains a powerful philosophical tool for demonstrating God’s existence, especially when coupled with other lines of evidence.

Anselm’s Defense of Christian Doctrine

The Doctrine of the Atonement

In Cur Deus Homo? (“Why the God-Man?”), Anselm provided a rational defense of the incarnation and atonement of Christ. He argued that human sin created a debt that could not be repaid by humanity alone. Only a being who was both fully divine and fully human could satisfy divine justice and offer redemption. Anselm explained:

“The debt was so great that while man alone owed it, only God could pay it. Thus, the same person must be both man and God.”

This reasoning aligns with the scriptural teaching of Christ’s role as the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5) and as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

The Nature of Truth

Anselm also addressed the nature of truth in his work Truth, defending the correspondence theory. He defined truth as conformity to a standard, rooted ultimately in God’s nature. This understanding supports the biblical view that Jehovah is the ultimate source of truth (Psalm 31:5; John 17:17).

Evaluating Anselm’s Philosophical Framework

Anselm’s reliance on platonic philosophy is evident in his discussion of degrees of being and perfection. While some elements of his framework may seem abstract or overly philosophical, his central arguments are consistent with biblical teachings. His use of reason to illuminate theological truths reflects the biblical exhortation to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

However, care must be taken not to elevate philosophical speculation above the authority of Scripture. Anselm himself acknowledged that reason serves to clarify and defend what is already revealed in God’s Word.

The Relevance of Anselm’s Apologetics Today

Anselm’s arguments remain relevant in contemporary apologetics, particularly in engaging with skeptics who demand rational explanations for faith. His ontological argument challenges atheistic assumptions, while his cosmological reasoning points to the necessity of a Creator. Additionally, his defense of the atonement provides a robust foundation for explaining the central message of the gospel.

Romans 12:2 encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, and Anselm’s approach exemplifies how Christians can use their intellect to glorify God and defend the faith.

Conclusion: Anselm’s Legacy in Apologetics

Anselm of Canterbury stands as a model of faithful scholarship, demonstrating how faith and reason can work together to defend biblical truth. His arguments for the existence of God, his defense of the atonement, and his exploration of truth all testify to the depth and coherence of the Christian faith. While rooted in his historical context, Anselm’s writings continue to equip believers to fulfill the apostolic charge:
“Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).