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Alexander Hales

(also Halensis, Alensis, Halesius, Alesius; called Doctor Irrefragabilis and Theologorum Monarcha) was a scholastic theologian. He was born at Hales , Gloucestershire, England, and died in Paris on August 21, 1245. He was educated in the monastery at Hales, studied and lectured at Paris, acquired great fame as a teacher in theology, and entered the Franciscan order in 1222.

Alexander was the first to write a commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard, before him theologians had always commented upon the scriptures. His Summa universae theologiae (first printed at Venice, 1475) was undertaken at the request of Pope Innocent IV, and received his approbation. It was finished by Alexander's scholars after his death. It is an independent work giving a triple series of authorities-- those who say yes, those who say no, and then the reconciliation or judgment. The authorities are chosen not only from the Bible and the Fathers, but also among Greek, Latin, and Arabic poets and philosophers, and later theologians. It treats in its first part the doctrines of GodThis article focuses on the concept of singular, monotheistic God . See deity, gods, or goddesses for details on divine entities in specific religions and mythologies. God is a term referring to the supreme being generally believed to be ruler or creator and his attributes; in its second, those of creationReligious creation beliefs Several religions have creation beliefs, some of which account for the existence and present form of the Universe by the act of creation by a supreme being or creator god. Most of these accounts depict one or several gods fashio and sinThis page is about sin in the context of religion. For other meanings, see Sin (disambiguation Sin has always been a term most usually used in a religious context, and today describes any lack of conformity to the will of God; especially, any willful disr; in its third, those of redemptionRedemption is a term in Christianity, meaning delivery from sins. Also see salvation''. Redemption also might mean A progressive/ heavy metal band named Redemption. A collectible card game called Redemption, published by Cactus Game Design. A two-part epi and atonementAtonement is reconciliation with God, of people who have sinned. It is a concept of forgiveness and repair, based on the mercy of God, which is derived from Judaism, and became the central idea of western Christian theology. Especially prominent in Wester; and, in its fourth and last, those of the sacramentA sacrament is a Christian rite that mediates or symbolizes divine grace. Sacraments are usually administered by the clergy to a recipient or recipients, and are generally understood to involve visible and invisible components. The invisible component (mas. In recognition of his efforts, Alexander was given the title of "Doctor Irrefragabilis".

Among the doctrines which were specially developed and, so to speak, fixed by Alexander of Hales, are those of the thesaurus supererogationis perfectorum , and of the character indelibilisAccording to the Tridentine dogmas of Catholicism, a sacramental character is an indelible supernatural mark made on a person's soul by any of three of the seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, and holy orders. The characters imprinted by those three s of baptismIn certain religions such as Christianity, Mandaeanism, Sikhism, and some historic sects of Judaism, baptism is a water purification ritual. The word baptize derives from the Greek word (the infinitive; also listed as the 1st person singular present activ,

confirmation, and ordination. That doctrine had been written about much earlier by Augustine of Hippo and was eventually defined a dogma by the Council of Trent.

John Gerson tells us “The doctrine of Alexander is of a wealth surpassing all expression. It is said that someone asked St. Thomas what was the best manner of studying theology; he replied that it was by attaching oneself to a Master. And to which Doctor? he was asked again. To Alexander of Hales, the Angelic Doctor replied." (Gerson, Opera omnia.Epistola Lugdunum missa cuidam fratri Minori, vol. 1, p. 554.)

Compare Hailes Abbey, Gloucestershire, founded in 1245/6.


This article is part of the Medieval Philosophers series
Alexander of Hales | St. Bonaventure | Albertus Magnus | St. Thomas Aquinas | Godfrey of Fontaines | Henry of Ghent | Giles of Rome | Duns Scotus

English theologians Franciscans Scholastic philosophers

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