Whatever is received is received according to the nature of the recipient

Whatever is received is received according to the nature of the recipient

Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian and philosopher of the medieval period, believed in the concept that "whatever is received is received according to the nature of the recipient." This idea is central to Aquinas' understanding of how knowledge and grace are received by individuals.

Aquinas argued that the human mind is like a blank slate, or tabula rasa, upon which knowledge is imprinted. However, he also believed that the mind has a certain nature or disposition that shapes how it receives and processes information. In other words, the mind is not a passive receptacle for knowledge, but an active participant in the process of learning and understanding.

According to Aquinas, the nature of the recipient determines how knowledge is received and understood. For example, a person with a curious and open mind is more likely to receive new ideas and information with enthusiasm and interest, while a closed-minded individual may reject or misunderstand new concepts. Similarly, a person with a strong moral character is more likely to receive and appreciate the value of grace, while a person with a corrupt or selfish nature may resist or reject it.

Aquinas also applied this concept to the reception of divine grace. He believed that grace is freely given by God, but that it is received according to the disposition of the individual. A person who is humble, virtuous, and open to God's will is more likely to receive and benefit from grace, while a person who is proud, selfish, or resistant to God's guidance may not fully appreciate or accept it.