The Essential Summa Theologiae: A Reader and Commentary

A beginner-friendly introduction to Saint Thomas Aquinas' Summa theologiae, with key selections and accessible commentary to provide background, explain key concepts, and guide readers through Aquinas' arguments. The book incorporates selections from the entire Summa and focuses on moral theology, offering a fuller picture of Aquinas' thought.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2021
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Saint Thomas Aquinas' masterpiece, the Summa theologiae, can be a daunting read for beginners. This volume, written by an expert in Aquinas's theology, provides an excellent introduction to the Summa. It presents key selections from the Summa, accompanied by accessible commentary that aims to provide background information, explain key concepts, and guide readers through Aquinas's arguments. Originally published as Holy Teaching, this new edition has undergone a thorough revision and includes a significant amount of new material. The book draws from the entirety of the Summa and incorporates selections that focus on moral theology, offering a more comprehensive understanding of Aquinas's thought.

The Summa theologiae is a vast and complex work, spanning multiple volumes and covering a wide range of theological topics. This book aims to simplify the study of Aquinas's theology for beginners by presenting key selections from the Summa, along with concise and informative commentary. The commentary is designed to provide a foundation for understanding Aquinas's arguments and his philosophical approach, making it easier for readers to engage with his work.

In addition to the selections from the Summa, the book also includes additional material that helps to contextualize Aquinas's theology within the broader Christian tradition. This includes discussions of key figures in Christian philosophy, such as Augustine and Plato, as well as insights into the historical and cultural context in which Aquinas lived and wrote. By providing this broader perspective, the book helps readers to appreciate the depth and richness of Aquinas's theological ideas.

Whether you are a student of theology or simply interested in learning more about Aquinas's philosophy, this book is an invaluable resource. It provides a clear and concise introduction to his thought, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. With its comprehensive commentary and additional material, it offers a deeper understanding of Aquinas's theology and its significance in the Christian tradition.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781540960061
Edition number: 2nd Edition