THOMAS AQUINAS

The Summa Theologi (written 12651274 and also known as the Summa Theologica or simply the Summa) is the best-known work of Thomas Aquinas (c. 12251274). Although unfinished, the Summa is "one of the classics of the history of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature." It was intended as an instructional guide for theology students, including seminarians and the literate laity. It was a compendium of all of the main theological teachings of the Catholic Church. It presents the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in the West. The Summas topics follow a cycle: the existence of God; Creation, Man; Mans purpose; Christ; the Sacraments; and back to God.

In his reflections on Christianity, Saint Thomas Aquinas (c.1225-74) forged a unique synthesis of ancient philosophy and medieval theology. Preoccupied with the relationship between faith and reason, he was influenced both by Aristotle's rational world view, and by the powerful belief that wisdom and truth can ultimately only be reached through divine revelation. Thomas's writings, which contain highly influential statements of fundamental Christian doctrine, as well as observations on topics as diverse as political science, anti-Semitism and heresy, demonstrate the great range of his intellect and place him firmly among the greatest medieval philosophers.