Question 1. Whether theology is a practical or a speculative science

217. The question is whether theology is a practical or a speculative science.

Proof that it is not practical:

Because in John 20.23 it is said: “These things are written that you might believe;” to believe is something speculative, because on it vision follows; therefore          etc .

218. Besides, practical science is set down as being about the contingent, On the Soul 3.10.433a26-30 and Ethics 1.2.1094b7, 21-22; but the object of this science is not contingent, but necessary; therefore      etc.

219. Again, Boethius On the Trinity ch. 2 assigns three parts to speculative science, one of which is theology according to him; and it seems he is speaking about theology in the present sense, because about its subject he there adds that its subject is the first substance, of which he says that “God’s substance lacks matter.”

220. Again, nobler than any practical science is some speculative science; but no science is nobler than this science [of theology];     therefore etc     . The proof of the first proposition is both that speculative science is for its own sake while practical is for the sake of use, and that speculative science is more certain, from Metaphysics 1.2.982a14-16, 25-28.

221. Again, after all necessary sciences were in existence, this science was invented for escaping ignorance, as is clear because concern with necessities is an impediment to the investigation of this doctrine; therefore it is a speculative science. For in this way does the Philosopher argue in Metaphysics 1.2.982a19-25, that metaphysics is speculative.

222. On the contrary:

Romans 13.10: “The end of the law is love.”

Again, Matthew 22.40: “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Again, Augustine On the Praise of Charity, Sermon 350 n.2: “He who keeps charity in morals possesses whatever is hidden and whatever is plain in the divine words.”

But these authorities prove that this science is not precisely for speculation, but speculative science seeks nothing beyond speculation, according to Avicenna Metaphysics 1.1 (70ra) (examine him there).