We have considered that students in this doctrine 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 readers.Įndeavouring to avoid these and other like faults, we shall try, by God's help, to set forth whatever is included in this sacred doctrine as briefly and clearly as the matter itself may allow. He intended it to be the sum of all known learning as explained according to the philosophy of Aristotle (384322 bce) and his Arabian commentators (which was being introduced to western European thought at the time) and the theological dicta of the church. 'Summary of Theology' ), often referred to simply as the Summa, is the best-known work of Thomas Aquinas (12251274), a scholastic theologian and Doctor of the Church.

Because the doctor 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 Corinthians 3:1-2), 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. The Summa Theologiae or Summa Theologica ( transl.

St thomas aquinas summa theologica