ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

EARLY CHRISTIANITY

PRESENTATION GUIDELINES:

1. The background of the period of the philosopher.2. Political theories/thoughts established by the

philosopher.3. The effects of the philosopher’s political

theories/thoughts to the people of his time.4. Applicability of the philosopher’s political

theories/thoughts to the present issues and/or events.

ST. THOMAS AQUINASBorn January 28 of 1255Italian, Dominican friar and priestKnown as Doctor Angelicus, Doctor Communis and

Doctor UniversalisFather of ThomismBest known works are Summa Contra Gentiles and

Summa Theologica

ST. THOMAS AQUINASEARLY LIFEBorn in Roccasecca, in the Aquino county of the

Kingdom of Sicily.Born in the castle of his father;FATHER: Landulf of Aquino, held the title miles.MOTHER: Theodora, belonged to the Rossi branch of the

Neopolitan Caracciolo family.All other members of the family pursued military

careers.Landulf wanted Thomas to be an abbot just like his

uncle, Sinibald.

ST. THOMAS AQUINASEARLY EDUCATIONThomas began early education in Monte CassinoMilitary conflict broke out between the Emperor

Frederick II and Pope Gregory IX in 1239Thomas enrolled at the Stadium Generale founded by

Frederick IIThomas was then introduced to Aristotle, Averroes and

Mainonides, all of whom would influence his theological philosophy

ST. THOMAS AQUINASTHE DOMINICAN ORDERThomas wanted to join the recently founded Dominican

order but his parents did not approve of it.The Dominicans resorted to send Thomas to Paris to

prevents Theodora's interference to Thomas' choice.While on his way to Paris, Thomas was seized by his

brothers and sent him back at the castle of Monte San Giovanni Campano.

Thomas was held prisoner for two years.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAShis numerous works

Against Those Who Assail the Worship of God and Religion

Disputed Questions on TruthQuodlibetal QuestionsCommentary on Boethius's De trinitate and

Commentary on Boethius's De hebdomadibus

Summa contra gentilesSt. Thomas Aquinas’

SUMMA CONTRA GENTILES:Also known as the Summa contra GentesTraditionally been dated to 1264, though more recent

scholarship places it towards the end of Thomas’ lifeSumma contra Gentiles was written to explain and

defend the Christian truth in hostile situations against unbelievers

Explains specific core articles of Christian beliefsIt was probably written to aid missionaries in explaining

the Christian religion and defending it against the Muslims and Jews

SUMMA CONTRA GENTILESTHE FOUR DIVISIONSBOOK I;Treats God in HimselfBOOK II;Treats God in his so-called transitive action and thus is a study of creationBOOK III;All created things have their end in GodBOOK IV;Covers truths for which natural reason is inadequate

SUMMA CONTRA GENTILESTHE CONTROVERSIES

Some Christians see an unnecessary division between divine truths and human truths

In itself there is one truth, God's knowledge of himself.

THE TWO KINDS OF KNOWLEDGEABOUT GOD1. What can be known by natural reason - Gentiles'

knowledge of God2. Things that can only be known in the light of Christian

revelation

SUMMA CONTRA GENTILESThomas says that in debating Christian heretics one can

make recourse to the entire Bible to show them their error

Many has called Summa Contra Gentiles his most philosophical work