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.
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.
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