365betÓéŔÖ

The concept of Efficient cause in Christianity

Efficient cause, as defined by Protestantism, Catholicism, and Early Christianity, pertains to the source or origin of existence and goodness. It represents God's role in creation and the initiation of events, acting as the principal agent behind everything that exists. In Protestant thought, it emphasizes God's overflowing nature, while Catholicism stresses both divine assistance and secondary causes in actions like matrimony and sanctification. Early Christianity highlights the active force that brings order and existence from raw materials, portraying efficient cause as fundamental to understanding creation and existence.

Synonyms: Causal agent, Initiator, Driving force, Catalyst, - , Causation, Direct cause, Producing cause, Active cause, Agent, Prime mover

In Dutch: Efficiënte oorzaak; In Finnish: Tehokas syy; In Spanish: Causa eficiente; In German: Wirksame Ursache; In Swedish: Effektiv orsak; In Malay: Punca yang cekap; In German: Wirkursache; In French: Cause efficiente

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Efficient cause'

Christianity Books

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The second aspect of Christ's Passion, referring to the reason or agent that directly brings about the Passion, representing the origin or instigating force.[1] (2) The agent or entity that directly brings about the effect of the resurrection, with the text examining whether Christ or other factors serve as the primary driving force behind this event.[2] (3) The text uses this phrase to describe the specific reasons related to Christ's Passion, prompting inquiries into its various aspects and components.[3] (4) This is the term that refers to God, who is considered the source of infused virtue and is an important aspect of the definition of virtue, according to the text.[4] (5) A factor that is twofold, encompassing both the principal and instrumental causes, both contributing to the overall process.[5]

From: The city of God

(1) This term refers to a cause that directly produces an effect or brings about a change, suggesting a causal relationship between events or actions.[6] (2) The text argues against seeking an efficient cause for the evil will, stating that it is not efficient but deficient, suggesting that the will's evil is a lack rather than a product of something.[7] (3) An efficient cause is a concept that is always prior to the thing which is made, and nothing begins to take place without it.[8]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The text states that if pain is conceived as existing in thirst, and pleasure in drinking, the pain that has preceded becomes the efficient cause of pleasure, however evil cannot be the efficient cause of good.[9] (2) The term 'efficient cause' describes the agent or force that brings about a particular effect, which in this case is the will of the creator.[10] (3) The text states that we can simultaneously contemplate the efficient cause, from that which is divine within us, by reflection.[11] (4) The text mentions that even Anaxagoras did not preserve the dignity suited to the efficient cause, which is related to the origin or source of something, specifically Mind.[12] (5) A very noble and ancient originator of all things that have existence, relating to the fundamental beliefs of Christians.[13]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) This refers to the source or origin of all goodness, which the text asserts is an overflowing aspect of God's nature.[14] (2) This phrase refers to the divine being, not just as the source of our life, but as the foundation supporting our lives and movements, as if we are surrounded by air.[15] (3) The text indicates that an entity which necessarily exists does so without the influence of any efficient cause, existing from its essence.[16] (4) The aspect of God's essence responsible for the actual creation and existence of things.[17] (5) The mechanism through which God brings all things into existence, acting as the source or initiating factor.[18]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Plural form: Efficient causes.