Aquinas and Calvin on Discoursing with Pagans
How should we discourse with those who do not confess the truth of the Holy Scriptures? Thomas Aquinas answers:
"Thus, against the Jews we are able to argue by means of the Old Testament, while against heretics we are able to argue by means of the new Testament. But the Mohammedans and the pagans accept neither the one nor the other. We must, therefore, have recourse to the natural reason, to which all men are forced to give their assent... Now, while we are investigating some given truth, we shall also show what errors are set aside by it; and we shall likewise show how the truth that we come to know by demonstration is in accord with the Christian religion."
- Thomas Aquinas, Contra Gentiles, IX
For my fellow Reformed brethren who are already skeptical of natural theology and view this quote as suspicious considering the author, consider the words of another man:
"Furthermore, because [Paul] hath to deal with profane men, he draweth proofs from nature itself; for in vain should he have cited testimonies of Scripture. I said that this was the holy man’s purpose, to bring the men of Athens unto the true God."
- John Calvin, Commentary on Acts, Acts 17:22-25
Read these quotes in their original context, think hard about what these men say, and conclude for yourself whether or not they are correct. As for me, I believe that they are.