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The concept of Intelligence in Christianity

Intelligence is a significant concept in Gnosticism, Catholic Church teachings, and Early Christianity. In Gnosticism, it represents a dual Power related to the "Unknown Father." The Catholic Church views Intelligence as a fundamental aspect of the supreme being, particularly embodied in the Son, reflecting understanding and the act of intellect. Early Christianity emphasizes Intelligence as the divine essence governing the cosmos, characterized by the ability to comprehend and apply knowledge. Across these traditions, Intelligence serves as a crucial element in understanding existence and the divine.1
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Synonyms: Wisdom, Intellect, Discrimination, Insight, Discernment, Reasoning, Understanding, Sagacity, Cleverness, Sharpness, Brilliance, Cognition, Perception, Knowledge, Smartness, Wit

In French: Intelligence; In Dutch: Intelligentie; In Finnish: ıô²â°ì°ì²â²â²õ; In Spanish: Inteligencia; In German: Intelligenz; In Malay: Kepintaran; In Swedish: Intelligens

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

Christian concept of 'Intelligence'

Christianity Books

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Works of St. Anselm

(1) This is the faculty of understanding and grasping concepts, which is used to apprehend the nature of existence and non-existence.[1] (2) This is equated to the Son, which is conceived, loved, and remembered as a whole by the supreme Spirit, highlighting the Son's significance within the context.[2] (3) The Son is the intelligence or wisdom of the Father, which means that he possesses understanding or mental capacity related to the Father.[3] (4) Each component taken separately is intelligence, which is a fundamental aspect of the supreme being, and each component does not require another to conceive.[4] (5) This signifies a quality that is the core of the Son and a fundamental attribute of the Father's substance, reflecting the capacity for understanding.[5]

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This properly signifies the intellect's act of understanding, and is not a distinct power but is the intellect's very act, the philosophers recognize this distinction.[6] (2) A term used for spiritual creatures, often synonymous with angels, which influence the forms of matter.[7]

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) Intelligence, also called Pallas, came into existence from the ceaseless palpitation caused by moisture and heat when it reached the summit of the aether.[8] (2) For a good person, truth is granted through this, rather than through dreams, suggesting a different source of understanding compared to the impious.[9] (3) The Intelligence is recognized by Thales as the God of the world, indicating a divine essence that governs the cosmos, separate from other types of beings.[10] (4) Wisdom is intelligence, but all intelligence is not wisdom, as the text explains, distinguishing between the two concepts.[11] (5) An attribute associated with humans, which cannot be assigned to God according to the argument presented.[12]

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.

Gnostic concept of 'Intelligence'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) These, along with the Aeons, and the Angels, were created by the "Unknown Father" or the "Boundless Power".[13] (2) This term represents a Power, both male and female, that answers to the Power, which differs not at all from the Intelligence, being one and the same, according to the text.[14]

Plural form: Intelligences.