Discovering Aquinas : an introduction to his life, work and influence / Aidan Nichols.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nichols, Aidan.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274.

Thomas.

Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274--Influence.

Scholasticism.

Physical Description:

x, 214 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Grand Rapids, Mich. : William B. Eerdmans Publishin Company, 2003.

Summary:

Thomas Aquinas is one of the great figures of church history, and his ideas continue to have a powerful effect on theologians and contemporary writers from very different backgrounds and traditions. In Discovering Aquinas Aidan Nichols offers a lively and authoritative introduction to the life, thought, and ongoing influence of this singular churchman. This book could not have come at a better time. After a lengthy period of declining interest in Aquinas, we are starting to see a Thomistic renaissance, including a renewed appreciation for the way Aquinas's work so brilliantly weaves together philosophy, theology, spirituality, revelation, and ethics. As Nichols writes, "It is because of the wonderfully integrated character of the wisdom of Thomas Aquinas -- integrted not only as supernatural with natural but also as thinking with love -- that the church in our day should not leave him as a fresco on a wall but find inspiration from his teaching and example." By means of writing as felicitous as it is insightful, Nichols chronicles the compelling facts of Aquinas's life, explores the major facets of his thought, establishes Aquinas's historical importance, and shows why many today are regarding him as a vital partner in current debates about the future of Christianity.

Contents:

Part 1 The Man

1. Thomas in his Time 3

Part 2 The Doctrine

2. Revelation 21

3. God and Creation 37

4. The Trinity 60

5. The Trinity in Man 74

6. Angelology 82

7. Grace and the Virtues 91

8. Christ, Church, Sacraments 110

Part 3 The Aftermath

9. Thomas in History 129

Part 4 The Tools

10. Thomas and the Practice of Philosophy 147

11. Thomas and the Idea of Theology 167.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0802805140

OCLC:

51916422