Saint Thomas Aquinas stands as one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in the history of the Catholic Church. Born in 1225 in Aquino, Italy, he devoted his life to reconciling faith and reason, and his groundbreaking works have had a lasting impact on Western thought.
Aquinas’ magnum opus, the Summa Theologica, addresses a wide range of topics, including ethics, morality, and metaphysics. An essential cornerstone of his work is the theory of natural law, which posits that certain moral principles are inherent in nature rather than dictated by subjective human deliberation. His numerous writings on the nature of God, the role of virtue, and the relationship between faith and reason have significantly shaped Catholic teachings and influenced the philosophy of subsequent thinkers.
As a member of the Dominican Order, Aquinas demonstrated his commitment to contemplation, community, and education. His unique integration of Aristotelian thought and Christian theology fostered a bridge between ancient and medieval worldviews, paving the way for further exploration of the relationship between faith and reason. His legacy endures, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated by scholars today.
Early Life and Education
Saint Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225 in Roccasecca, a hill town in southern Italy. He was the youngest of nine children in a noble family, which provided him with a privileged upbringing.
As a young child, Thomas was sent to the Abbey of Monte Cassino, a prestigious Benedictine monastery, for his primary education. During his time there, he studied classical literature, philosophy, and theology, and he quickly displayed a keen aptitude for learning.
At the age of 14, Thomas was transferred to the University of Naples. This was a crucial turning point in his intellectual development, as he was exposed to the works of Aristotle and other scholars and began to integrate Aristotelian philosophy into his studies. It was in Naples that he was introduced to the Dominican Order, eventually becoming a Dominican friar in 1244.
Furthering his education and philosophical pursuits led Thomas to study under Albert the Great in Cologne, Germany. Albert, a renowned philosopher, and theologian, played a significant role in shaping Thomas’s thinking, particularly in the integration of theology and philosophy. The two formed a strong intellectual bond, and Albert later entrusted Aquinas to teach at several institutions.
The early life and education of Saint Thomas Aquinas were fundamental to his intellectual development and the formation of his philosophical and theological ideas. With significant experiences in Roccasecca, Monte Cassino, the University of Naples, and Cologne under Albert the Great, he emerged as an influential scholar whose work has left a lasting legacy.
Dominican Order and Theological Education
Saint Thomas Aquinas was a significant figure in the history of the Dominican Order and theological education. The Dominican Order, also known as the Order of Preachers, was founded in the early 13th century by Saint Dominic. Established to fight against heresy and promote the Catholic Church’s teachings, its members were committed to a life of study, preaching, and poverty.
During Aquinas’ time, the Dominicans played a crucial role in the Catholic Church’s intellectual life, contributing significantly to theological and philosophical discussions. One of the centers of learning, both for Dominicans and other religious orders, was the University of Paris. This prestigious institution had a close relationship with the Catholic Church, ensuring that the curriculum aligned with Church teachings.
Aquinas arrived in Paris in 1245 to study at the University of Paris under the guidance of Albertus Magnus, a respected Dominican scholar. He would spend five years in Paris, honing his skills in theology, philosophy, and logic. This education helped shape his thoughts on the integration of faith and reason, which became central to his later works, such as the Summa Theologica and the Summa contra Gentiles.
During his time in Paris, Aquinas also encountered intellectual resistance from the secular faculty, who held differing opinions on important theological questions. However, his extraordinary intellectual capabilities allowed him to make essential contributions to theological debates and earn the respect of his peers. Aquinas was awarded the title of Magister in Theologia in 1256, becoming a Dominican master in theology and a prominent figure at the University of Paris.
At the request of Theodora, the wife of the King of Sicily, Aquinas returned to his native Italy in the late 1250s. He continued his work as a teacher and prolific writer while also having important advisory roles in the Kingdom of Sicily and the Catholic Church. In this period, Aquinas further developed his systematic approach to theology, drawing from the wealth of knowledge he had acquired in Paris.
Throughout his career, Saint Thomas Aquinas dedicated himself to the Dominican Order’s values, focusing on the importance of theological education. By engaging in rigorous study and dialogue, his works continue to shape and inform Catholic theology, maintaining a lasting impact on the Church’s intellectual tradition.
Philosophy and Theology
Saint Thomas Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian who greatly contributed to the synthesis of philosophy and theology. Aquinas was heavily influenced by Aristotle, whose works he sought to integrate with Christian thought. He also drew on the works of Augustine and Boethius as well as other key thinkers within the philosophical tradition.
One of the central themes of Aquinas’ thought is the relationship between Faith and Reason. He believed that both divine revelation and human reason could lead to knowledge of the truth, although divine revelation held the greater authority. Aquinas asserted that faith and reason are complementary, not contradictory and that they ultimately constitute two sources of knowledge arising from the same divine truth.
Aquinas made significant contributions to metaphysics, the study of being and reality. He developed the concept of actus (act) and potentia (potentiality), which he borrowed from Aristotle. According to Aquinas, a being’s existence consists of its essence (what it is) and its existence (that it is). He also posited that every being derives its existence from a higher being, culminating in the concept of God as the Pure Act (actus purus), the first cause and ultimate reality behind all other beings.
Natural Law is another central aspect of Aquinas’ philosophy. He argued that there is a universal moral law based on human nature that can be discovered through reason. This natural law serves as a guide to human action and is binding on all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or culture. Aquinas further developed this idea by connecting natural law to divine law, asserting that natural law ultimately has its source in God’s eternal law.
Aquinas’ work laid the foundation for Scholasticism, a philosophical method that dominated medieval universities. This method sought to reconcile Christian theology with classical philosophy, primarily that of Aristotle, through the use of structured debates and rigorous analysis of texts. In doing so, it aimed to create a coherent and systematic understanding of both faith and reason.
Saint Thomas Aquinas significantly contributed to the development of philosophy and theology by integrating the works of Aristotle and other key thinkers with Christian thought. He explored the relationship between faith and reason, made substantial advancements in metaphysics, and established the foundation for natural law and Scholasticism. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both fields and continue to be studied and debated by scholars.
Major Works
Saint Thomas Aquinas produced numerous important theological and philosophical works throughout his lifetime. Among his most notable works are the Summa Contra Gentiles and Summa Theologiae. These seminal texts serve as the foundation for much of his thought and have had a profound impact on the development of Christian theology and Western philosophy.
The Summa Contra Gentiles, written between 1259 and 1265, presents a rational defense of the Christian faith accessible to non-believers. Addressing a wide range of topics, Aquinas applies philosophical reasoning to support the existence of God, natural law, and the teachings of Christianity.
In the Summa Theologiae (1265-1274), Aquinas provides a comprehensive exposition of Catholic doctrine, focusing on theological issues related to the nature of God, the human person, and the moral life. The work remains one of the most studied and influential texts in Christian thought. It is divided into three parts, which cover the First Principles of Theology (God, creation, and angels), Moral Theology (human nature, ethics, and virtues), and Sacramental Theology (sacraments, ecclesiology, and eschatology).
Aquinas also made significant contributions to metaphysics and ontology with his text De Ente et Essentia (On Being and Essence), which discusses the nature of being, essence, and existence. In this work, he introduces and develops his theory of essence and existence as distinct but related principles, explaining how they relate to the nature of God and His creation.
In another important work, De Veritate (On Truth), Aquinas examines the nature and structure of truth, engaging with questions about epistemology, the relationship between faith and reason, and the role of God as the ultimate source of truth.
Aquinas was also known for his extensive commentaries on scripture and philosophical texts. He wrote commentaries on the biblical books of Isaiah and the Song of Songs, offering insights into these Old Testament writings from a theological and philosophical perspective.
A key part of Aquinas’s scriptural commentaries is the Catena Aurea (Golden Chain), a compilation of patristic commentaries on the Gospels. It weaves together selected quotes from early Christian thinkers, offering an invaluable resource for understanding early Christian interpretations of the Gospels.
As a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear author, Aquinas touched on various aspects of Christian theology and philosophy, leaving an indelible mark on both intellectual and spiritual contemplation that continues to be relevant and influential today.
Influence and Legacy
Saint Thomas Aquinas was a highly influential figure in the Roman Catholic Church and is considered one of the Church’s most successful teachers and theologians. His teachings have impacted generations of students, scholars, theologians, and philosophers, who have drawn upon his ideas and principles to shape their own perspectives and arguments.
Aquinas’s philosophy, which combines ideas from Aristotle and Christian theology, has been particularly influential in developing the discipline of natural theology. This discipline seeks to establish the existence and nature of God through reason and rational inquiry rather than relying solely on religious revelation.
As a Doctor of the Church, Aquinas’s contributions are not limited to his academic achievements. His works continue to serve as integral resources for the Church, and his theories on the relationship between faith and reason have had a lasting impact on Catholic theology.
Students of Aquinas are known as Thomists, who seek to carry forward his teachings and ideas. Thomists have played a significant role in shaping modern Roman Catholic thought, as well as the philosophies of leading thinkers from the Enlightenment to the contemporary era.
Aquinas was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church in 1323, which serves as a testament to his lasting influence and importance within the Church and beyond. His legacy continues to shape modern discussions around faith, reason, ethics, and the nature of existence, cementing his status as one of history’s most influential theologians and philosophers.
Recognition and Honors
Saint Thomas Aquinas has earned a distinguished status in the history of the Catholic Church and Christian theology. His contributions have been widely recognized and honored by various ecclesiastical authorities and institutions.
In 1318, nearly 50 years after his death, Pope John XXII proclaimed Aquinas a saint by canonizing him due to the insistence of the Dominicans. Later, in 1567, Pope Pius V declared him a Doctor of the Church, acknowledging his profound influence on Christian scholarship. He is the patron saint of universities and scholars.
The Second Council of Lyon (1274) endorsed the adoption of Aquinas’ works by the Mendicant Orders. This affirmation set the stage for the prominence of Thomism within Catholic educational institutions, where his writings became essential resources for theological studies.
Several councils, including the Council of Trent (1545-1563), relied on Aquinas’ writings as authoritative references during their deliberations. His work on the nature of the sacraments and the doctrines of grace significantly influenced the formulation of the Church’s teaching during the Counter-Reformation period.
As the Regent Master in Theology at the University of Paris, Aquinas played an instrumental role in shaping the intellectual landscape of his time. His innovative ideas and systematic approach to theological questions brought new clarity to Christian thought and earned him a reputation as one of the Medieval era’s most important thinkers.
While there is no doubt that Saint Thomas Aquinas holds an esteemed position amongst the great theologians of the Christian tradition, his work continues to be studied and referenced as a source of wisdom and insight on a variety of issues. Throughout the centuries, his recognitions and honors have stood as a testament to the depth and breadth of his thought, as well as his enduring influence on the development of Catholic doctrine.
Later Life and Death
In his later years, Saint Thomas Aquinas continued his scholarly work and teaching duties. Around 1272, he returned to Naples as a lecturer in theology and founded a studium generale. Despite being offered prestigious positions, such as Archbishop of Naples, he preferred to remain a teacher and scholar. Aquinas spent his final years between Naples, Orvieto, and Rome.
Tomb
In 1274, while on his way to the Council of Lyons, Aquinas fell ill and was taken to the Cistercian abbey in Fossanova, where he died on March 7. Initially, his remains were kept at the abbey. However, after his canonization in 1323, Saint Thomas Aquinas’ mortal remains were transferred to the Dominican Church of the Jacobins in Toulouse, France. His tomb is now a popular pilgrimage site for scholars and devotees alike.
Relics
Over time, numerous relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas have been distributed to various places. The most significant of these relics include:
- Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Rome: In this church, a bone from Aquinas’ arm is preserved in a beautiful golden reliquary, serving as a symbol of his scholarly achievements and wisdom.
- Dominican Priory, Naples: Here, a rib relic is housed as a reminder of his strong connection to Naples.
- Church of the Jacobins, Toulouse: Besides his tomb, this church also conserves several other relics, such as fragments of his skull and a finger bone.
Saint Thomas Aquinas’s Works
Christianity plays a significant role in Saint Thomas Aquinas’ thought, given he was a Dominican friar and a philosopher within the Christian tradition. In his works, Aquinas focuses on exploring and understanding the tenets of the Catholic faith.
The concept of Natural Law is crucial to Saint Thomas Aquinas’ philosophy. He posited that God created a moral order that exists independently of human constructs. As a result, a person can determine the difference between right and wrong through reason and observation of the natural world.
Aquinas believed in the importance of both Revelation and reason in understanding God. He aimed to create harmony between faith and reason, explaining that reason helps interpret the teachings and revelations of the Christian faith.
Ethics is another central aspect of Aquinas’ philosophy. Drawing upon the work of Aristotle, Aquinas provided a detailed moral framework, emphasizing virtues and the importance of a well-ordered society. His works explore topics related to moral conduct, conscience, and decision-making from a Christian perspective.
Aquinas also contemplated the experience of Perceiving God through the senses. He explained that humans could achieve a limited understanding of God through their sensory experiences, concluding that humans must depend on faith and revelation to grasp God’s true nature.
The idea of Movement features in Aquinas’ arguments for the existence of God. His famous “Five Ways” to prove the existence of God includes the idea that motion or movement in the world must have a first cause (the “unmoved mover”), which he identifies as God.
Saint Thomas Aquinas regularly referred to the Old Testament in his works, using it as a source of wisdom and authority. He would carefully analyze and interpret biblical passages to support his theological arguments and understanding of the Catholic faith.
Throughout his work, Aquinas aimed to understand and promote the Sanctity of the Christian faith. His philosophical and theological writings remain influential in shaping a comprehensive understanding of the Catholic faith to this day.
