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?