Summa Theologica

Introduction

The Summa Theologica is a comprehensive theological compendium written by Saint Thomas Aquinas between 1265 and 1274. It is considered one of the most influential works in Western Christian theology and philosophy. The Summa Theologica aims to present the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in a systematic and logical manner. The work is divided into three main parts, each dealing with different aspects of theology, and is further subdivided into questions and articles.

An ancient manuscript of the Summa Theologica, open on a wooden table with a quill pen and ink bottle beside it.

An ancient manuscript of the Summa Theologica, open on a wooden table with a quill pen and ink bottle beside it.

Structure and Organization

The Summa Theologica is divided into three main parts:

Prima Pars

The Prima Pars (First Part) deals with the existence and nature of God, the creation of the world, angels, and the nature of man. It is divided into 119 questions, each of which is further divided into articles.

• **Existence of God**: Aquinas presents five ways (quinque viae) to demonstrate the existence of God, including the argument from motion, causation, contingency, perfection, and teleology.
• **Nature of God**: This section explores the attributes of God, such as simplicity, perfection, goodness, infinity, immutability, eternity, and unity.
• **Creation**: Aquinas discusses the creation of the world, the nature of angels, and the creation of man, including the soul and its faculties.

Secunda Pars

The Secunda Pars (Second Part) is divided into two sub-parts: the Prima Secundae (First Part of the Second Part) and the Secunda Secundae (Second Part of the Second Part). This part deals with human acts, the principles of morality, and the theological virtues.

• **Prima Secundae**: This section addresses the ultimate end of human life, human actions, passions, habits, virtues, and vices. It includes discussions on free will, law, and grace.
• **Secunda Secundae**: This section is a detailed examination of the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity), the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance), and various other virtues and vices.

Tertia Pars

The Tertia Pars (Third Part) focuses on Christ, the sacraments, and the end of the world. It is divided into 90 questions.

• **Christology**: This section explores the mystery of the Incarnation, the life of Christ, and the Paschal Mystery.
• **Sacraments**: Aquinas provides a detailed analysis of the seven sacraments, their nature, and their effects.
• **Eschatology**: The final section discusses the resurrection, the Last Judgment, and the ultimate end of human beings.

Methodology

Aquinas employs a scholastic method in the Summa Theologica, which involves posing a question, presenting objections, providing a counter-argument (sed contra), and then offering a detailed response (respondeo). Each article concludes with replies to the objections.

• **Question**: Each question addresses a specific theological issue.
• **Objections**: These are arguments against the position that Aquinas will ultimately defend.
• **Sed Contra**: A brief statement that contradicts the objections, often citing authoritative sources such as Scripture or Church Fathers.
• **Respondeo**: Aquinas' main argument, where he systematically addresses the question.
• **Replies to Objections**: Aquinas responds to each objection, reinforcing his main argument.

Influence and Legacy

The Summa Theologica has had a profound impact on Christian theology, philosophy, and the intellectual tradition of the Western world. It has been a foundational text in the education of Catholic clergy and has influenced various theological and philosophical movements.

• **Scholasticism**: The work is a pinnacle of Scholasticism, a method of critical thought which dominated medieval European universities.
• **Thomism**: The theological and philosophical school that follows the teachings and methods of Aquinas is known as Thomism. It has been highly influential in the development of Catholic doctrine.
• **Modern Relevance**: The Summa Theologica continues to be studied and referenced in contemporary theological and philosophical discourse.

See Also

• Scholasticism
• Thomism
• Paschal Mystery
• Free will
• Soul