Summa Theologica
by St. Thomas Aquinas
Summary
Written from 1265-1274, the Summa Theologica is St. Thomas
Aquinas' greatest work. Originally written for the "instruction of
beginners," time has shown that all believers can come to learn from
this enriching book. Organized systemically for the clearest way of
"setting forth" the "sacred doctrine," Aquinas addresses many of
Christianity's most pertinent questions in this multi-volume work. The
First Part of the Summa begins with the existence and nature of
God, before moving to creation and the nature of man. The Second Part
contains his examination of morality and law; it also provides his
account of the theological virtues, the cardinal virtues, and the seven
deadly sins. The Third Part, uncompleted due to Aquinas' death, treats
the incarnation and the sacraments. Taken together, the three parts
compose one of the most impressive works of Christianity. Indeed,
countless people from many centuries have studied and learned from the
Summa; it has been widely influential from Aquinas' own day to
the present. Hence, those with a passing inquiry or a serious question,
an existential concern or a philosophical problem, can learn much from
reading and studying St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica.
Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer
Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer
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