Part 3: Basic Action in-Relational-Theological Reflection
Abstract:
This paper explores the concept of basic action in the theological context and its much deeper parallel within Catholic theology. The will create a philosophical-like understanding of basic action as an act performed directly without prior mediations is compared with the theological notions of God’s nature as “Actus Purus” or Pure Act. The discussion includes an illustrative example from the comic book series, Resurrection of Magneto #4, where Magneto’s actions exemplify the philosophical concept, alongside an analysis of divine actions in Christian theology.
This paper also serves to demonstrate a truly Catholic relational ontology. In this case, God’s act or actions are relational in the sense that all existence and essence should be understood and is arguably best understood through the lens of relationship and communion, even if there are ontological divides between God and creation that stretch the human mind.
Introduction:
The concept of a basic action in philosophy refers to actions that an agent can perform directly, without executing any prior actions. Such actions are characterized by their immediacy and directness, mirroring what is psychologically termed a “flow state.” These are instinctive or reflexive actions performed without apparent effort or premeditation. This paper will examine this concept through a theological lens, specifically reflecting on its implications in understanding the nature and actions of the Christian God.
Illustration from Popular Culture: Magneto’s Decisive Act
In Resurrection of Magneto #4, crafted by Al Ewing, Luciano Vecchio, David Curiel, Jesus Aburtov, and VC’s Joe Sabino, captures a critical moment in the life of Magneto, a prominent character from the X-Men series known for his ability to manipulate metal (Ewing et al., 2024). In this issue, Magneto is faced with a significant challenge that tests both his powers and his deep-seated beliefs about his identity. The scene is set at an Orchis facility, where Magneto aims to rescue captured mutants. However, he encounters Orchis soldiers equipped with suits that are specifically engineered to neutralize his abilities by detecting changes in magnetic fields and releasing nerve gas as a countermeasure.
As the narrative unfolds, Magneto is surrounded by soldiers ready to engage. At this moment, he faces a choice that reflects his internal struggle between his past violent tendencies and his desire for a more peaceful resolution in line with his evolved identity. Choosing to act, Magneto does so in a manner that is pure and undiluted by any physical or mental hesitation. He swiftly and directly manipulates the metal of the soldiers’ suits, condensing them into dense metallic cores. This action is crucial not only for its immediate effectiveness in neutralizing the threat but also for demonstrating the concept of a basic action. There is no visible preparation, no strategizing, or physical positioning required. The power to act flows directly from Magneto’s will, with the metal responding instantaneously to his command.
This sequence epitomizes the philosophical concept of a basic action, where the act itself is performed directly, without any intervening steps. For Magneto, the act of manipulating metal is as instinctive as breathing, integrated into his being to such an extent that it bypasses conventional processes of decision-making and execution. His control over his powers reflects an advanced level of mastery where the intention and the act are indistinguishable, mirroring the essence of basic action as immediate and direct exertion of an individual’s capabilities.
This portrayal of Magneto not only serves as a thrilling piece of comic book action but also as a poignant example for philosophical and theological reflection. It demonstrates how deeply integrated abilities, when expressed as basic actions, can reveal profound insights into the nature of agency and identity in both fictional and real-world contexts.
Theological Reflection: God as Simple, Actus Purus, and Perichoretic
In Catholic theology, the concept of basic action finds a profound parallel, particularly in the understanding of God’s nature and actions. Here, God is described as “Actus Purus” or Pure Act, which signifies that God is pure activity without potentiality. This state of complete actuality, where there is no division between capability and action, or potential and realization, denotes that God’s essence is His existence, and this existence itself is a singular, eternal, unchanging act without any precursor.
Even from a Thomistic perspective we can see some relation fundamentally. Gevan Kerr writes, “Insofar as creatures are dependent on God for their esse, creatures bear a real relation to God; should that relation cease, creatures would cease, since they would no longer depend on anything for their esse. On the other hand, insofar as God does not depend on anything in any way, for He is pure esse, He does not bear a real relation to creatures, only a rational one; should that relation cease, i.e., should creatures cease to be, God would in no way change” (Kerr 3). Said in a more explicitly relational way, we can say in the framework of a relational and triangulated ontology, we understand that creatures are inherently dependent on God for their existence, establishing a real relation whereby their very essence is contingent upon God’s sustaining presence. If this divine connection were to be severed, creatures would cease to exist, as their dependence is not merely incidental but essential. Conversely, God, who is pure existence and not contingent on anything external, maintains no real dependence on creatures. His relationship to creation is conceptual rather than existential (not naturally, at least); thus, the cessation of creation would not alter His divine essence. This perspective allows us to appreciate God’s omnipotence and His proactive engagement in creation and providence while simultaneously acknowledging His ontological unity and simplicity. We see that God’s immutable reality coexists with His dynamic relational involvement with the world. Our theological approach seeks to articulate these complex truths about God’s nature, aiming to reflect both His transcendent immutability and His immanent relational interactions within creation. By doing so, we strive to present a comprehensive theological discourse that respects the ineffability of divine mysteries while making them accessible and meaningful within the context of human experience and language limitations. This nuanced understanding emphasizes that God remains wholly divine, his essence unaltered by our perceptions or the temporal manifestations of His will, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation of both the unity and the diversity of God’s eternal nature as experienced in time.
Expanding this reflection, the doctrine of Perichoresis in Trinitarian theology highlights the relational aspect of God without limits. Perichoresis describes the interpenetration and co-inherence of the three Persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—within one divine essence. The relationships among the Trinity’s Persons are not contingent or resultant from some prior action; rather, they are eternal, necessary, and intrinsic to God’s very nature. This relational unity and dynamic are acts themselves, constituting a perpetual outpouring of love and knowledge that are both immanent in the divine life and expressed externally in the economy of salvation.
Moreover, the Incarnation of Christ represents a unique exemplification of basic action within theological reflection. In this divine act, the Word becomes flesh (John 1:14) instantaneously and perfectly, without any transformation or alteration in the divine nature, yet fully manifesting in time and history. This act bridges the divine and human natures in the Person of Jesus Christ, embodying grace and salvation while remaining intrinsically divine.
Thus, the unity and simplicity of God as Actus Purus, and His actions, particularly in the mysteries of the Trinity and the Incarnation, serve as perfect demonstrations of the theological depth and existential breadth of what philosophers might term “basic action.” These divine acts are fundamental, not derived from any prior action, and reveal God’s perfect and complete nature. They offer insight into how divine simplicity and relationality coalesce in acts of creation, redemption, and continuous self-revelation. These divine manifestations affirm that God’s actions, inherently efficacious and self-originating, extend beyond metaphysical constructs and into the lived reality of faith, presenting a model for understanding the profound immediacy and directness of divine agency.
Conclusion:
Both the actions of Magneto and the divine actions in Christian theology illustrate the concept of basic action. Magneto’s direct manipulation of metal and God’s intrinsic acts of creation and salvation highlight a seamless integration of power and identity, where actions are not conditioned by external factors but are direct outpourings of the agent’s nature. They are “intrinsic” insofar as they are not contingent on any external reality; they stem solely from God’s free decision and His nature as love. These examples underscore a deeper philosophical and theological understanding of how agency and existence manifest in their most potent and direct forms.
References:
– Ewing, A., Vecchio, L., Curiel, D., Aburtov, J., & Sabino, J. V. C. (2024). *Resurrection of Magneto #4*. Marvel Comics.
– Kerr, G. (2023). God and the alone world. Irish Theological Quarterly, 88(1), 76-89. https://doi.org/10.1177/00211400221144750
Credits:
I’d like to thank Dr. Gaven Kerr, who is a lecturer in philosophy at St Patrick’s Pontifical University Maynooth, whose work on this issue inspired this piece. Especially his paper on Divine Action and the Aloneness argument where I first learned of such a powerful view of divine action.
