Timeline Philosophy by Samuel Rosenthal

St. Augustine (354–430)

s_rosenthal_2025 — 2025-04-22 13:50:12 UTC

Taught that all humans inherit original sin and need God's grace to be saved.
Believed evil is the absence of good and that free will is weakened by sin.
His ideas still shape Christian views on human nature and salvation.

St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109)

s_rosenthal_2025 — 2025-04-22 13:50:39 UTC

Developed the ontological argument for God’s existence using logic and reason.
Believed sin dishonors God and that Jesus’ death restores that honor.
Influenced how Christians understand atonement and the link between faith and reason.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)

s_rosenthal_2025 — 2025-04-22 13:51:02 UTC

Argued that faith and reason work together and gave five logical proofs of God’s existence.
Created the idea of natural law: humans can know right and wrong through reason.
Still influences Catholic moral teachings and how religion and philosophy interact.

John Duns Scotus (1266–1308)

s_rosenthal_2025 — 2025-04-22 13:51:32 UTC

Taught that God’s will is more important than reason in understanding morality.
Defended the Immaculate Conception and emphasized individual uniqueness (haecceity).
His views support free will and continue to influence Catholic theology.

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

s_rosenthal_2025 — 2025-04-22 13:52:01 UTC

Started the Protestant Reformation by arguing that salvation comes by faith alone.
Believed the Bible should be the only source of religious truth.
Shaped modern Protestant beliefs and gave people a more personal connection to God.

John Calvin (1509–1564)

s_rosenthal_2025 — 2025-04-22 13:52:23 UTC

Taught that God has already chosen who will be saved (predestination).
Believed humans are totally sinful and need God’s grace to live morally.
Still influences Reformed churches and ideas about discipline, work, and salvation.