Robert C. Koons Books

The book presents a compelling exploration of Lutheran philosopher Robert Koons' journey to Catholicism, focusing on his critical reassessment of the Lutheran doctrine of justification by faith alone. Drawing from Scripture, Church Fathers, and influential Lutheran theologians, Koons argues that the Lutheran doctrine represents an innovative departure from traditional teachings. He highlights misunderstandings of Catholic justification among Protestants and critiques the logical foundations of sola scriptura, advocating for a more unified understanding of Christian doctrine.

“The Analytic Thomist,” Rob Koons, delivered the 2021 Aquinas Lecture at the University of Dallas. Here he engages the possibility of a bridge between philosophy and metaphysics proper. Koons boldly lays out his without Aristotelian metaphysics, there is no Aristotelian philosophy of nature, and there is no philosophy of nature in Aristotle without acknowledging his natural science. His lecture thus challenges Thomists and their respective approaches to hylomorphism and their all too frequent quickness to discard it. (Koons lays down the gauntlet. if one denies hylomorphism there can be no transubstantiation!)        A bonus addition to this volume in the Dallas lecture series is Koon's “Aristotle, god and the Quantum.”   

What is the role of the intellect in faith? Jesus commanded us to love God with our minds, raising the question of why intellectual engagement is necessary. Many Christians mistakenly believe that focusing solely on the heart is sufficient for faith, while some argue that knowledge contradicts belief, forcing a choice between science and scripture. However, our growth into Christlikeness is deeply intertwined with our intellect, emphasizing that Christian belief encourages more thinking, not less. The intellect should be viewed as a vital instrument of worship, not the object of it. This book is for followers of Jesus seeking to understand the essential link between faith and rationality. The author illustrates how learning about God’s nature and actions fosters a closer relationship with Him, akin to any meaningful connection. Through personal stories, he presents a vision of how nurturing the intellect enhances our Christian worldview, grants freedom in Christ, and allows us to love God fully. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions, making it an excellent resource for believers eager to deepen their faith—encompassing heart, soul, strength, and mind.

Der „analytische Thomist“ Robert Koons hielt 2021 die Aquinas-Lectures an der Universität von Dallas. Darin beschäftigt er sich mit der Möglichkeit einer Brücke zwischen Philosophie und Metaphysik im eigentlichen Sinne. Koons legt seine Position klar und eindeutig dar: Ohne aristotelische Metaphysik gibt es keine aristotelische Naturphilosophie, und es gibt keine Naturphilosophie bei Aristoteles, ohne dass man seine Naturwissenschaft anerkennt. In seiner Vorlesung fordert Koons die Thomisten und ihre jeweiligen Ansätze zum Hylemorphismus heraus und ihre allzu häufige Schnelligkeit, diesen zu verwerfen.