The Cambridge Companion to the Summa Theologiae

This Companion offers an accessible, comprehensive guide to the contents, context, and enduring influence of Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologiae.

Philip McCosker (Edited by), Denys Turner (Edited by)

9780521879637, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 June 2016

376 pages
23.6 x 15.6 x 2.4 cm, 0.65 kg

'The collection is exactly what it sets out to be: a varied and helpful introduction to a major milestone in Western theology …' Gerard J. Hughes SJ, The Way

Arguably the most influential work of systematic theology in the history of Christianity, Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologiae has shaped all subsequent theology since it was written in the late thirteenth century. This Companion features essays from both specialists in Aquinas' thought and from constructive contemporary theologians to demonstrate how to read the text effectively and how to relate it to past and current theological questions. The authors thoroughly examine individual topics addressed in the Summa, such as God, the Trinity, eternity, providence, virtue, grace, and the sacraments, making the text accessible to students of all levels. They further discuss the contextual, methodological, and structural issues surrounding the Summa, as well as its interaction with a variety of religious traditions. This volume will not only allow readers to develop a comprehensive multi-perspectival understanding of Aquinas' main mature theological work, but also promote dialogue about the vital role of the Summa in theology today.

Part I: 1. Reading the Summa Theologiae Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt
2. Spirituality Timothy Radcliffe, O.P.
3. Structure Mark D. Jordan
4. Scripture Wilhelmus (Pim) Valkenberg
5. Philosophy Karen Kilby
6. Method John Marenbon
Part II: 7. God Brian Davies
8. Eternity Herbert McCabe, O.P.
9. Trinity Eugene F. Rogers, Jr
10. Holy Spirit Gilles Emery, O.P.
11. Creation Kathryn Tanner
12. Providence David Burrell, C.S.C.
13. The human person Denys Turner
14. Happiness Jean Porter
15. Virtues James F. Keenan, S.J.
16. Grace Philip McCosker
17. Person of Christ Sarah Coakley
18. Life of Christ Paul Gondreau
19. Redemption Nicholas M. Healy
20. Sacraments Olivier-Thomas Venard, O.P.
Part III: 21. Catholic traditions Paul J. Griffiths
22. Orthodox traditions Andrew Louth
23. Reformed traditions Christoph Schwöbel
24. Non-Abrahamic traditions Francis X. Clooney, S.J.

Subject Areas: Christianity [HRC], History of religion [HRAX], Comparative religion [HRAC], Religion: general [HRA]