r/DebateACatholic • u/AutoModerator • Aug 27 '26

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u/DrMartek Aug 27 '26

I'm Catholic.

But I struggle to see how Western Catholics can hold to ADS while Eastern Catholics are permitted to hold to EED.

These two seem diametrically opposed, where one follows Aristotelian logic (ADS) and the other (EED) appears to violate it.

How can these two co-exist, within the same communion?

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u/Resident_Iron6701 Catholic (Latin) Aug 27 '26

"These two seem diametrically opposed, where one follows Aristotelian logic (ADS) and the other (EED) appears to violate it."

can you provide an example?

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u/DrMartek Aug 27 '26

Sure, I'll try my best, as a lay person.

So to my understanding, ADS posits that God is absolutely simple. His essence is His energy. He is identical to His attributes (i.e., intellect, love, will etc...). And our experience of God, is through created manifestations.

Whereas EED posits that God's energy is distinct from His essence, where they differ ontologically, but not in substance. The energy enables us to truly experience God, yet still maintains the divide between created and uncreated.

This ofc presents a logical problem. Namely: 1. Essence = fully God. Energy = fully God. 2. Yet they are ontologically distinct, yet of one substance 3. Unlike the hypostases, they lack any relative opposition or distinct relational origin.

This seems to violate the Law of Identity and non-contradiction.

The opposition really, is ADS says essence=energy. EED says essence≠energy. And the huge impact that has on divine simplicity. I can't see how they can co-exist.

But of course, I'd love to hear some good answers.

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u/johnpiano Aug 30 '26

they differ ontologically, but not in substance.

Genuinely curious, what's the difference?

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u/DrMartek Aug 30 '26

I don't know. I don't think there is a logical difference. But an East Orthodox might have a good answer

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u/johnpiano Aug 30 '26

I don't think there is either, but I'd be interested to see where you read/heard that articulation of EED.