Composer

:

St. Thomas Aquinas

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Summa Theologica is a monumental work of St. Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, and theologian. It is a comprehensive and systematic exposition of Christian theology, covering a wide range of topics such as God, creation, human nature, ethics, and the sacraments. The book is divided into three parts, each containing several treatises, questions, and articles. St. Thomas Aquinas began composing Summa Theologica in 1265 and worked on it until his death in 1274. The book was intended to be a guide for students of theology and a defense of the Catholic faith against the objections of non-believers and heretics. It is written in a clear and concise style, using logical arguments and scriptural references to support its claims. The first part of Summa Theologica deals with God and his attributes, including his existence, simplicity, infinity, and perfection. It also discusses the nature of angels, the creation of the world, and the problem of evil. The second part focuses on human nature, ethics, and the virtues. It examines the nature of the soul, the purpose of human life, and the principles of moral behavior. The third part deals with the sacraments, the Church, and the end of the world. It discusses the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, the role of the clergy, and the resurrection of the dead. One of the key characteristics of Summa Theologica is its use of the scholastic method, which involves the use of reason and logic to analyze and explain theological concepts. St. Thomas Aquinas draws on the works of Aristotle and other ancient philosophers to develop his arguments, but he also incorporates Christian doctrine and scripture. Another characteristic of the book is its emphasis on the unity of faith and reason. St. Thomas Aquinas believed that reason and faith were complementary and that both were necessary for a complete understanding of God and the world. Summa Theologica was not officially published during St. Thomas Aquinas's lifetime, but it was widely circulated in manuscript form. It has since become one of the most influential works of Christian theology, and it continues to be studied and debated by scholars and theologians today.

More....