Episode 2074: St. Anselm

St. Anselm, also known as Anselm of Canterbury, was a Benedictine monk, theologian, philosopher, and Archbishop of Canterbury. He was born in Aosta, Lombardy (now part of Italy) in 1033 or 1034, and he passed away on April 21, 1109, in Canterbury, England. Here's a brief biography:

Early Life: Anselm was born into a noble family. As a young man, he showed an interest in learning and joined the Benedictine monastery of Bec in Normandy, France, where he became a monk.
Education and Career: At Bec, Anselm studied under Lanfranc, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury. Anselm's intellectual abilities flourished, and he became renowned for his theological and philosophical insights. He wrote several influential works on theology, ethics, and metaphysics.
Archbishop of Canterbury: In 1093, Anselm was appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury, succeeding Lanfranc. As archbishop, he played a significant role in the Investiture Controversy, a struggle between the Church and secular rulers over the appointment of bishops and abbots.
Theology and Philosophy: Anselm is best known for his contributions to Christian theology, particularly his ontological argument for the existence of God. In his famous work "Proslogion," he argued that God, as the greatest conceivable being, must exist in reality, since existence is greater than non-existence. This argument has sparked considerable debate and discussion throughout the centuries.
Legacy: St. Anselm's theological and philosophical writings have had a lasting impact on Western thought. He is considered one of the greatest medieval theologians and philosophers, and his works continue to be studied and debated by scholars and theologians today. Anselm was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1494, and his feast day is celebrated on April 21st.
St. Anselm's intellectual achievements, theological insights, and commitment to the Church have earned him a revered place in Christian history.