The Life of the "Summa" [review of: Bernard McGinn, Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologiae: A Biography, Princeton, 2014] (original) (raw)
A RENEWED CALL TO READ THE SUMMA THEOLOGIAE OF THOMAS AQUINAS
The Summa Theologiae is a good piece of work that teaches concurrently about God, man and the universe; it is a classical work whose teachings never dwindle because it situates people’s lives and unites old and new perceptions without confusion. Moreover, it makes sound distinctions on a good number of issues that disturb the modern person.
The Christian Philosophical Worldview of St. Thomas Aquinas
Many thanks to Mark Boone for helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper. I'd also like to thank Dr. David Naugle for being a model of a Christian philosopher to me. Additionally, I'd like to thank my confirmation saint, St. Thomas Aquinas, for his help and example. Last, and most importantly, I want to thank my Lord Jesus Christ for providing an opportunity to write on this topic.
From Theology to Philosophy: The Changing Status of the Summa Theologiae, 1500–2000
Aquinas's Summa theologiae. A Critical Guide, ed. Jeffrey Hause, Cambridge University Press, 2018
A survey article on the reception of the Summa theologiae in the post-medieval period, challenging the classical "decline and rebirth" narrative that has dominated histories of Thomism and neo-Thomism. First, I argue that Thomism never declined, but that it remained a powerful current even in the heyday of the Enlightenment; second, I claim that the eighteenth century, often presented as the “waning” of Thomism, is in reality the true key to understanding the conditions and forms of its later nineteenth-century “revival.” Third and last, I explain why, among Aquinas’s huge intellectual production, it was the Summa that ensured his persistence as an authority during these centuries.
By nature and by grace: the life of mind in Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae
Kevin E. O'Reilly, OP, 2014
As is well known Thomas maintains that grace is not extrinsic to human nature but in fact presupposes it and perfects it from within. In other words, Thomas's metaphysical vision is intrinsic to the dynamism of participation by grace in the life of the Trinitarian God. When we take this metaphysical vision seriously, we are necessarily led to affirm the transforming effects of grace, that is to say, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, on human nature. The faculties of intellect and will in particular, when they are elevated by God's grace, enable the human capacity to know to realises its innate potential. This contention finds illustration in the cases both of the Chris-tian's understanding of what conduces to true human happiness and of the natural knowledge of truths that transcend its natural capacity. Far from being an external imposition on human nature, in fact, grace transforms it from within in a manner that is consonant with its native capacities while also connaturalising these same capacities to a supernatural mode of operation. In contrast, the innate epistemic potential conferred on human nature in creation is so wounded by the Fall that, in the absence of the healing power of grace, it is impeded in its realisation to such an extent that man is even incapable of doing all that he is capable of by nature. He is incapable of fulfilling his nature by his own natural powers.
The New Alexandria Library of Texas - republished from the Year 1270
The Summa Theologica is divided into three main parts (and an unfinished supplement), each with questions (quaestiones) and articles (articuli). These sections employ a dialectical method where objections are raised, responses are given, and counterarguments are resolved. Part I: Prima Pars (God and Creation) This section addresses the existence and nature of God, divine attributes, the Trinity, and the act of creation. Key themes include: • Existence of God: Arguments for God's existence, including the famous Five Ways (quinque viae). • Nature of God: Exploration of God's simplicity, perfection, goodness, eternity, and omniscience. • The Trinity: A theological examination of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. • Creation: The origin of the universe, the nature of angels, and humanity’s place in creation. Part II: Prima Secundae and Secunda Secundae (Human Action and Virtue) Prima Secundae (First Part of the Second Part): • Human Nature: The purpose of human life, happiness as the ultimate end, and the role of free will. • Moral Theory: Discussions on law (eternal, natural, human, and divine), sin, grace, and virtues. • Passions and Habits: Analysis of emotions, moral habits, and their alignment with virtue. Secunda Secundae (Second Part of the Second Part): • Theological Virtues: Faith, hope, and charity as foundations of Christian life. • Moral Virtues: Prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, alongside their sub-virtues. • Social and Ethical Teachings: Topics such as justice in society, the role of charity, and the morality of speech. Part III: Tertia Pars (Christ and the Sacraments) This part focuses on Christology and sacramental theology. • The Mystery of Christ: The incarnation, life, passion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. • The Sacraments: Examination of their nature, necessity, and effects, covering the seven sacraments (baptism, Eucharist, penance, etc.). Supplementum (Unfinished) This section, completed posthumously by Aquinas’ followers, deals with eschatology (death, judgment, heaven, and hell) and practical pastoral concerns. ☆This rare book is a treasure not only for its profound theological and philosophical insights but also for its rare synthesis of intellectual rigor and deep spirituality. While not overtly "supernatural" in the way one might find in mystical writings, the Summa is suffused with themes that touch on divine mysteries, angelology, miracles, and the transcendent nature of God’s interaction with creation. Here's what makes this work a "wonderful rarity," including its supernatural dimensions: The Wonderful Rarity of the Summa Theologica • Unparalleled Intellectual Scope: • The Summa represents one of the greatest intellectual endeavors of the 13th century, combining Aristotelian logic with Christian doctrine. • Few works achieve such depth across philosophy, ethics, and theology in a single text. • Enduring Influence: • Rare among medieval texts, it remains a central reference in Catholic education, philosophy, and theology. • The integration of natural reason and divine revelation makes it uniquely comprehensive. • Angelic Themes and Supernatural Insights: • Aquinas devotes significant attention to angels (De Angelis), analyzing their nature, intelligence, and roles as intermediaries between God and humanity. • His description of the hierarchy of angels and their incorporeal essence reflects a vivid and almost otherworldly understanding of the spiritual realm. • Systematic Treatment of Miracles: • The Summa discusses miracles as acts of divine intervention, emphasizing their supernatural nature without contravening God’s natural law. Aquinas provides a framework for understanding how miracles confirm faith. • Profound Mystical Theology: • Though systematic and scholastic in style, the Summa touches on mystical themes, especially in its discussion of the Beatific Vision—the ultimate supernatural experience, where souls see God face-to-face in heaven. • Aquinas describes the Beatific Vision as the fulfillment of human destiny, transcending natural reason and entering the realm of divine grace. • The Rarity of the Work's Completion: • While vast and comprehensive, the Summa is famously unfinished. Aquinas ceased writing after a mystical experience in December 1273, reportedly saying, "All that I have written seems like straw compared to what I have seen." This moment adds a supernatural aura to the work and its author. • Elevated Discussions on Grace and Salvation: • Aquinas delves into the supernatural operation of grace and its necessity for salvation. He treats grace as a gift from God that elevates human nature to participate in divine life, a cornerstone of Catholic doctrine. • Bridging Mysticism and Rationality: • While steeped in rational discourse, the Summa acknowledges the limitations of human reason in comprehending divine mysteries. Aquinas’ humility before the supernatural shines in his treatment of topics like the Trinity and Eucharist. Supernatural Elements in Focus • The Nature of Angels: • Aquinas explores the metaphysical attributes of angels, their incorruptibility, intellect, and interaction with humanity. • The work discusses their roles in divine providence and their battles against demonic forces. • The Eucharist as Supernatural Transformation: • Aquinas argues for transubstantiation, the miraculous transformation of bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood. This teaching remains central to Catholic sacramental theology. • Eschatological Realities: • The work's unfinished Supplementum discusses the final judgment, resurrection of the body, heaven, and hell, delving deeply into the supernatural end of human existence. • Miracles as Divine Signs: • Miracles are framed as God’s direct action in the world, surpassing natural causes yet always aligned with divine will. 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