What impact did Duns Scotus have on the Christian faith?

Answer

John Duns Scotus (1265/66—1308) was a philosopher, Catholic priest, and theologian. The term Scotus identifies him as Scottish, so he could also be referred to as John Duns the Scot, but the identifier is commonly used as his last name. He is often referred to simply as Scotus. The precise date of his birth is unknown. He studied philosophy and theology at Oxford University and was ordained as a priest in the Franciscan Order.

The complex and at times esoteric nature of Scotus’s writings has led to his being called “the Subtle Doctor.” That same nature makes his work difficult to manage for the average reader untrained in philosophy. In fact, scholarly articles written about his writings are often just as challenging to comprehend. Duns Scotus is best known for his work in natural theology and his formulation of a proof for the existence of God. (Natural theology deals with what can be known about God apart from special revelation.) Not only does Duns Scotus attempt to prove that God exists as the first necessary being who is the cause of all other beings, but he also presents evidence that this Necessary Being must be perfect in knowledge, perfect in will, infinitely good, and infinite in power. Scotus also maintained that the first tablet of the Decalogue (the first five of the Ten Commandments) could be derived from natural law.

Most modern Christian philosophers and apologists do not go as far as Duns Scotus did when affirming what can be known from natural law. In recent times, many Christians have actually rejected the entire concept of proving God’s existence from natural law. However, Romans 1:20 confirms the idea that God’s existence can be recognized from nature: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans continues to

Explain that, even without specific revelation in Scripture, individuals will be held accountable for failing to give God proper worship and gratitude for all He has bestowed upon them. Romans also clarifies that individuals possess an innate sense of right and wrong, but they suppress it in defiance of God; hence, even those without the Bible are still culpable before God—no one can claim ignorance.

While the works of Duns Scotus might captivate and assist the professional philosopher, there exist numerous other philosophers, apologists, and theologians who are far more approachable and comprehensible to the average Christian today.