Thomas Aquinas, Theologian

In Thomas Aquinas , Theologian Thomas O'Meara considers Aquinas the theologian and his influence, past and present. O'Meara focuses on Aquinas as teacher and preacher, and theology as the subject of his thought and most of his writings. Studying the Summa Theologiae as well as providing an overview of six centures of interpretation, O'Meara shows how few have understood the structure and intent of Aquinas' theology. Drawing on the tradition of the Dominican Order and over twenty-five years of classroom teaching, O'Meara makes a well-qualified guide to the faith and vision of Thomas Aquinas. Introducing readers to the cultural and theological worlds of Aquinas, O'Meara examines the Summa theologiae in terms of its purpose and multiple structures. Also, he conducts a tour through the great themes of Christianity as presented in the Summa -- themes which range from the Triune divine being, to the graced person as the image of God and a member of the body of Christ, to life beyond death.O'Meara complements his study with an overview of six centuries of interpretation of Aquinas, revealing how many schools and disciples have advocated and employed his thought. Providing a vivid contemporary exposition of Aquinas's theology, O'Meara reveals how it mirrored the creative directions of his personality as well as the times in which he lived, and also incorporated the cultural and scientific insights available to him. Also, O'Meara discusses how Aquinas's themes can contribute to meaningful study of contemporary theology, particularly in relation to psychology, art, and a theology of world religions.An insightful contribution to our contemporary understanding of Aquinas, O'Meara's new book is intelligent, articulate, and will prove accessible to beginning readers and veteran Thomists alike.

In this new volume, Thomas F. O'Meara, O.P., considers Aquinas as a theologian and a teacher, examining the effects of his influence on past and present western thought. Introducing readers to the cultural and theological worlds of Aquinas, O'Meara examines the Summa theologiae in terms of its purpose and multiple structures. He conducts a tour through the great themes of Christianity as presented in the Summa - themes which range from the Triune divine being, to the graced person as the image of God and a member of the body of Christ, to life beyond death. O'Meara complements his study with an overview of six centuries of interpretation of Aquinas, revealing how many schools and disciples have advocated and employed his thought.

Cover Half title Title page Copyright Dedication CONTENTS PREFACE INTRODUCTION 1. The Life and Career of Thomas Aquinas 2. Patterns in the Summa theologiae 3. A Theological World 4. Traditions, Schools, and Students 5. Thomas Aquinas Today Conclusion NOTES BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX