Friday, February 25, 2011

The Summa Theologica Prima Pars

Here is the general outline of the first set of 10 articles which begin the Summa Theologica. The subject matter here pertains to Sacra Doctrina, or Sacred Doctrine. This sets the foundation for the Summa. Doctrina for St. Thomas means a set of instructions, teaching or a profession of learning. But more importantly Thomas says that this learning begins with Divine Revelation as it is transmitted through the Church which is fueled by faith. It is important to note that although Scripture is of primary focus in the Summa, for Saint Thomas there was no perceived separation between Scripture, the Oral Kerygma and the Magisterium of the Church. Therefore very little mention is made when Saint Thomas refers to a particular teaching derived from Tradition, and when it is found in Scripture he usually references the Scripture passages. He did not find it necessary as those after the era of the pretended "reformers", to let the reader know every time he refers to a teaching derived from Oral Tradition, although he does so a couple of times in the Summa. It was clearly understood that Scripture itself derived from the Oral Tradition itself.


THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF SACRED DOCTRINE (TEN ARTICLES)

To place our purpose within proper limits, we first endeavor to investigate the nature and extent of this sacred doctrine. Concerning this there are ten points of inquiry:

(1) Whether it is necessary?
(2) Whether it is a science?
(3) Whether it is one or many?
(4) Whether it is speculative or practical?
(5) How it is compared with other sciences?
(6) Whether it is the same as wisdom?
(7) Whether God is its subject-matter?
(8) Whether it is a matter of argument?
(9) Whether it rightly employs metaphors and similes?
(10) Whether the Sacred Scripture of this doctrine may be expounded in different senses?

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Prologue to the Summa Theologica

As we begin to undertake the great task of reading through Saint Thomas’ Summa Theologica, it is wise to understand the origin and background of the text and its author. That is why reading Jean-Pierre Torrell's book is recommended. Though it is only 150 pages, it lays a foundation for understanding the composition of the Summa. When we approach the Summa, we should not treat it as a modern encyclopedia of theology, or even a “textbook” as we would think of a textbook today. It must be noted that core principles are given as the work progresses and some are rarely repeated. Put simply, the work is meant to be read from beginning to end, and was not meant to be used as an encyclopedia per se. Certainly once one has a firm grasp on the principles and subject matter presented, it could certainly be referenced for particular subject matter, but a modern encyclopedia it is not. Certainly Saint Thomas begins the Summa with his prologue, “Since a teacher of catholic truth should instruct not only the advanced but beginners as well - as St. Paul says, "Like babes in Christ I fed you milk and not meat" (I Cor. 3:1) - our intention in this work is to convey the content of the Christian religion in a way fit for the training of beginners,” yet it seems that the milk he was speaking of surpasses most of what passes for the “meat” today. Make no mistake, this work is not for the faint of heart. Jean-Pierre Torrell in his book Aquinas’s Summa, tells us that it is probably more difficult for us today to read and digest the Summa than it was for Thomas’ contemporaries. Many scholars have spent their entire lives studying the work of St. Thomas in an effort to digest this “milk” that St. Thomas so humbly refers to. Yet, with God's grace and a little dedication we can all greatly benefit from studying this magnanimous work. So we now contemplate the prologue to the Summa.


                                              Prologue

Because the Master of Catholic Truth ought not only to teach the proficient, but also to instruct beginners (according to the Apostle: “As Unto Little Ones in Christ, I Gave You Milk to Drink, Not Meat”—1 Cor. iii. 1, 2), we purpose in this book to treat of whatever belongs to the Christian Religion, in such a way as may tend to the instruction of beginners. We have considered that students in this Science have not seldom been hampered by what they have found written by other authors, partly on account of the multiplication of useless questions, articles, and arguments; partly also because those things that are needful for them to know are not taught according to the order of the subject-matter, but according as the plan of the book might require, or the occasion of the argument offer; partly, too, because frequent repetition brought weariness and confusion to the minds of the readers.

Endeavoring to avoid these and other like faults, we shall try, by God’s help, to set forth whatever is included in this Sacred Sci- ence as briefly and clearly as the matter itself may allow.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Welcome to the Thomistica Website

This website is intended to be a supplement to reading Saint Thomas' works. We will first be starting off by reading a few introductory works which are necessary to digest before we begin to read Thomas' works. In order to grasp the magnanimous work of the Summa Theologica, which we will be starting with, it is important to understand the background to the author and his work. Jean-Pierre Torrell's work titled, 'Aquinas's Summa' and Fr. Romanus Cessario's work titled, 'A Short History of Thomism' were chosen to provide this information. They are available on Amazon. As we go through these two books we will post our thoughts. After this we will begin our study of the Summa Theologica, question by question. This participation is by invite only. If anyone is interested in further study, we are proposing meeting after Mass on Saturday mornings to discuss the books we are reading.