His theology was distinguished by an endeavor to fully reconcile religion and reason. He saw Christ as the "one true master" who provides mankind with knowledge that begins with faith, progresses via intellectual understanding, and is completed by mystical unity with God. He also believed that God has chosen to reveal himself through the written word, and so Scripture must be regarded as the ultimate authority for all Christian thinking and practice. Bonaventura's work as a whole had a profound influence on the development of Catholic theology and philosophy. His ideas were particularly important in addressing such issues as God's existence and nature, sin, salvation, and the role of religious institutions. He started out as a Franciscan monk but was forced to leave the order because he didn't agree with some of their practices. After moving back in with his family he decided to study at the University of Paris where he became friends with many philosophers of his time. Some of them helped him publish several books that have been very influential for teaching theology. Among other things he wrote a book called "The Way to Wisdom" which is considered one of the most important works on philosophical theology at the time. After graduating from university he got a job as a professor of theology at a French monastery but was soon made head of the philosophy department instead.