Saint Anselm 
Cur Deus Homo 

In ‘Cur Deus Homo’ by Saint Anselm, the eminent Archbishop of Canterbury delves into the profound theological question of why God became man. This influential work, written in the 11th century, is structured as a dialogue between Anselm and his interlocutor, Boso, as they explore the necessity and rationale behind the Incarnation. Anselm’s rigorous logical reasoning and deep philosophical insights permeate the text, making it a seminal work in the realms of Christian theology and medieval philosophy. The book presents a captivating blend of theological reflection and intellectual exploration, making it a cornerstone of Western religious thought. As Anselm wrestles with the intricacies of divine justice, love, and salvation, readers are invited to ponder the mysteries of faith and the complexities of Christ’s redemptive mission.

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Saint Anselm of Canterbury, born Anselm of Aosta in 1033, was an Italian Benedictine monk, philosopher, and theologian of the medieval period. Recognized as a pre-eminent scholar, Anselm served as the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1093 until his death in 1109. His sainthood was conferred for his commitment to the church and his profound involvement in theological debate. Anselm’s intellectual rigor and his development of early scholasticism significantly influenced medieval theology. His works delve deeply into theological and philosophical questions, with ‘Cur Deus Homo’ (‘Why God Became Man’) standing as one of his most significant contributions. In ‘Cur Deus Homo’, Anselm addresses the rationale and necessity of the Incarnation and Atonement within Christian belief. This text showcases Anselm’s method of ‘faith seeking understanding, ‘ arguing that Christian doctrines can be rationally explored and supported. His writings often employed a dialectical method for arriving at theological truths, which was highly innovative for the 11th century. Anselm’s authorship is characterized by meticulous argumentation, striving to reconcile faith with reasoned argument. His literary style is marked by clarity and depth, crafting a legacy that endures in the realm of Christian philosophy and theology. Anselm’s contributions were pivotal in the maturation of Western scholasticism, earning him the title ‘Father of Scholasticism, ‘ and his influence is discernible in the subsequent works of scholars such as Thomas Aquinas. Saint Anselm was canonized in 1494 by Pope Alexander VI, and his feast day is celebrated on April 21.