Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Romans 1:22

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

For having some great conceit of themselves, and not enduring to go the way which God had commanded them, they were plunged into the reasonings of senselessness. And then to show and give in outline, what a rueful surge it was, and how destitute of excuse...

Homily on Romans 3 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

How then did they come to such error, that in everything they relied on their own reasoning? Because they imagined themselves wise, which is why they became fools. For what is more foolish than worshiping stones and trees?

Commentary on Romans ↗

Clement of Alexandria

For both the law and the Gospel are the energy of one Lord, who is "the power and wisdom of God;" and the terror which the law begets is merciful and in order to salvation. "Let not alms, and faith, and truth fail thee, but hang them around thy neck." In the same way as Paul, prophecy upbraids the people with not understanding the law. …

The Stromata Book 1 ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says professing themselves he explains his statement. And first, how they became futile in their thinking, when he says professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. Professing themselves, i.e., ascribing wisdom to themselves as of themselves: woe to those who are wise in their own eyes (Isa 5:21); how can you say to Pharaoh: I am the son of the wise, a son of ancient kings? Where now are your wise men? (Isa 19:11). …

Commentary on Romans ↗

Bonaventure

The philosophers have offered nine sciences and promised a tenth: contemplation. But many philosophers, while attempting to avoid the darkness of error, have themselves become involved in major errors. While professing to be wise, they have become fools. Because they boasted of their knowledge, these philosophers have become the likes of Lucifer.

Collations on the Hexaemeron, Collation 4 ↗