Scribd
Upload
48 views2 pages

Summa Theologiae 2

Psychology and Social Studies

Uploaded by

CJ Botes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
48 views2 pages

Summa Theologiae 2

Psychology and Social Studies

Uploaded by

CJ Botes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Summa Theologiae 2

Five Ways: One of the notable aspects of the Summa


Theologiae is Aquinas' famous "Five Ways" argument for
the existence of God. In the Prima Pars, Aquinas presents
these five arguments, which are based on observation and
reason, to demonstrate the existence of God. These
arguments include the cosmological argument, the
teleological argument, and the argument from necessity,
among others.

Virtue Ethics: Aquinas's ethical framework, known as


virtue ethics, is a prominent feature of the Summa
Theologiae. He emphasizes the cultivation of virtues as
the means to live a morally good life. Aquinas identifies
four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and
temperance) and three theological virtues (faith, hope,
and charity) as essential for human flourishing and moral
decision-making.

Natural Law: Aquinas extensively discusses the concept of


natural law in the Summa Theologiae. Natural law,
according to Aquinas, is a rational and moral order
inherent in the nature of human beings and the world. It
serves as a guide for human behavior and is based on the
idea that certain actions are intrinsically good or evil.
Aquinas argues that natural law is accessible to human
reason and is universally applicable.

Sacraments and Grace: Aquinas addresses the sacraments


and the role of grace in the Secunda Pars of the Summa
Theologiae. He discusses the seven sacraments
recognized by the Catholic Church and their significance in
the spiritual life of believers. Aquinas also explores the
concept of grace, distinguishing between actual grace
(divine assistance in performing good acts) and
sanctifying grace (the transformative grace received
through the sacraments).

Christology and Atonement: In the Tertia Pars, Aquinas


devotes substantial attention to Christology—the study of
the person and nature of Jesus Christ. He explores topics
such as the incarnation, the hypostatic union (the union of
divine and human natures in Christ), and the redemptive
work of Christ. Aquinas presents the idea of satisfaction
theory of atonement, which asserts that Christ's death on
the cross was a satisfactory payment for human sin.

Influence and Legacy: The Summa Theologiae has had a


profound and enduring influence on Western Christian
thought. Aquinas' synthesis of Christian theology and
Aristotelian philosophy was highly innovative for its time
and continues to shape theological discourse. The work
has been studied and commented upon by numerous
theologians, philosophers, and scholars over the centuries,
and it remains an important text in the Catholic
intellectual tradition.

The Summa Theologiae stands as a monumental work of


systematic theology, addressing a wide range of
theological and philosophical topics. It reflects Aquinas'
commitment to integrating faith and reason, and it
continues to be studied and revered as a significant
contribution to Christian thought.

You might also like