Divine Unmoved Mover: Understanding Aristotle’s Influence on Christian Theology

The Concept of the Unmoved Mover

The concept of an "unmoved mover" has been discussed by philosophers for centuries, with Aristotle being one of the most well-known proponents of this idea. While Aristotle may not have been the first to frame the concept in this way, his argument in favor of it has had a significant impact on philosophical and theological thought. The notion of an unmoved mover was later used in Christian theology by thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, who identified God as the Unmoved Mover. However, it is essential to note that there are crucial differences between Aristotle's understanding of the unmoved mover and how later theologians like Aquinas used it to refer to the God of the Bible.

Aristotle's Unmoved Mover

Aristotle, a student of Plato, developed the idea of an unmoved mover based on earlier concepts. Plato taught that ultimate reality consisted of ideal Forms and that a primary entity called the Demiurge had created the world. Aristotle took a more abstract approach and viewed the unmoved mover as something separate from personal beings. In his writings, Aristotle follows a logical and observational chain of reasoning that leads him to conclude that there must be something to cause motion, a "mover." However, Aristotle applied this idea individually to the various spheres of the heavens, which he believed numbered either 47 or 55. To Aristotle, these were not personal or relatable beings but purely intellectual entities.

As Aristotle's writings progress, there seems to be a shift in his thinking or a growing conclusion that alters his initial premise. He realizes that if there are multiple unmoved movers, there can be no ultimate explanation in the universe. Therefore, Aristotle deduces that behind these "movers" of the celestial spheres, there must exist a single, solitary, and ultimate cause. According to Aristotle's reasoning, causality cannot end with multiple unmoved movers; it must terminate with a single unmoved mover.

It is crucial to understand that Aristotle's concept of the unmoved mover is purely abstract and not a personal being. He does not view this ultimate cause as a person or even a deity but rather as "thought, thinking about itself." While this concept aligns with the Bible's depiction of God in a technical sense, it is important to note that Aristotle himself would not have identified a personal being such as God with his theory. Aristotle's unmoved mover is not the God of the Bible, but rather an incomplete piece of the puzzle.

Compatibility with the Bible

Aristotle's musings on astronomy and his conclusion that an uncaused, non-physical "unmoved mover" exists aligns with a principle found in the Bible. Psalm 19:1 declares that "the heavens" display the work of God, and Romans 1:19–20 states that evidence of God can be seen in nature. From these natural observations, Aristotle correctly deduced the existence of an unmoved mover responsible for the universe's existence. However, what he did not fully realize was that this conclusion points to an eternal, personal Creator, which is the God of the Bible.

Why This Matters

Understanding Aristotle's concept of the unmoved mover and its relationship to Christian theology has several implications. Firstly, it highlights the compatibility between philosophical reasoning and biblical truths. It shows that philosophical arguments can lead to conclusions that align with Christian beliefs, providing further evidence for the existence of God. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of discernment in theological discussions. While Aristotle's unmoved mover aligns with some aspects of Christian belief, it falls short in fully capturing the nature and character of God as revealed in the Bible. This distinction reminds Christians to approach philosophical concepts with caution and rely primarily on Scripture for understanding God.

Think About It

Consider how Aristotle's concept of an unmoved mover differs from the biblical understanding of God. Reflect on the limitations of philosophical reasoning in capturing the fullness of God's nature and character. How does this challenge you to seek a deeper understanding of God through Scripture?