Who was Albertus Magnus?

Answer

Albertus Magnus, also known as St. Albert the Great or Albert of Cologne or Albert of Lauingen, was born Albert de Groot in Bavaria sometime between 1193 and 1206. Albertus is considered the greatest German philosopher and theologian of the Middle Ages, in addition to being a brilliant scientist and teacher. Catholics revere him as the patron saint of scientists.

Albertus Magnus began his career in the church as a Dominican friar and later became the bishop of Regensburg. One of his early scholarly works was a commentary on nearly all of Aristotle’s writings, which he translated from Latin and supplemented with the notes of Arabian commentators. His other written works, such as Physica, Summa Theologiae, and De Natura Locorum, encompassed the entire knowledge available to scholars at that time. Albertus taught at various institutions, including the University of Paris, where he mentored Thomas Aquinas.

During the Middle Ages, it was typical for scientists and scholars to solely rely on book knowledge. However, Albertus engaged in experiments and observations across various natural sciences like geology, astronomy, mineralogy, zoology, and chemistry. Such practices were uncommon in his era, leading to rumors of witchcraft. Tales circulated about his ability to manipulate the weather and harness the mystical properties of stones and minerals. According to one legend, Albertus discovered the philosopher’s stone and passed it on to Aquinas. Following Albertus’s passing in 1280, numerous alchemical books were falsely attributed to him and circulated to exploit his reputation. His authentic writings on science, mathematics, logic, theology, music, and other subjects were compiled into thirty-eight volumes in 1899.

Throughout his life, Albertus Magnus pursued scientific knowledge alongside theological studies. Albertus believedThat there are two paths to knowledge: God’s revelation, and philosophy and science. Following the path of revelation requires faith, and following the path of philosophy and science requires observation and reason. According to Albertus, faith and reason both lead to one truth.

The Catholic Church canonized Albertus in 1931, and at the same time, he was given the title Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX. His remains, considered a holy relic, are held in St. Andreas Church in Cologne, Germany. His feast day is November 15.

Albertus Magnus’s influence is still seen in a wide array of specialized sciences, and he is rightly respected as one of the great thinkers of the Middle Ages. As a devout Catholic, Albertus Magnus taught many things that depart from biblical truth. His veneration of Mary (whom he claimed to have seen as a young man), his reliance on church tradition, and his belief in a works-based salvation should be cause for concern among New Testament believers. As for Albertus’s sainthood, the Bible does not condone the elevation of anyone to “sainthood”—the plain teaching of Scripture is that everyone in Christ is a saint «to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. », (Romans 1:7). As with any man-made system, we should examine what Albertus Magnus taught and the Dominican Order he espoused in light of Scripture. Then, “hate what is evil; cling to what is good” « Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. », (Romans 12:9) and follow Christ «Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. », (John 21:22).