Aquinas 101: A Basic Introduction to the Thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Can be a slow read to process the thoughts embedded herein.

St. Thomas Aquinas composed more than sixty works in less than fifty years of life. Few of us have the time or inclination to read even a portion of these but some, like this reader, nevertheless nurse a desire to be exposed to the Angelic Doctor's thought. Francis Selman's AQUINAS 101 presents a worthy, accessible introduction to key subjects.As Selman notes in his Preface, "The books falls into three parts of nearly equal length: chapters one to five on God and creation, six to eight on human nature and action, and nine to twelve on the economy of salvation." Then a final chapter, "Charity and Friendship," melds the enduring themes of the book: "unity and love." I found the first third of the book most engrossing, the second part somewhat tedious, and the last section again piquing my intellectual curiosity.Yet even in the fascinating discussion about God and creation, certain postulates are simply stated without support and can demand leaps of logic or circular logic. For example, on page 20 Selman notes, "By the light of reason, St. Thomas says, we can know that God exists as the cause of the world, because effects resemble their cause and bear a likeness to their cause." I've no doubt this is an accurate summation of Aquinas' theology, but it leaves the reader (at least it did me) concerned that important connective arguments must be left for the source materials. Later, the following conclusion appears: "Anyone who thinks that the world is due to necessity must also think it is eternal." Aquinas, who lived in the midst of the thirteenth century, believed this, but we twenty-first century readers could use further grounding as to why it should be a valid premise.Those reservations aside, Selman does a commendable job of surveying some of Aquinas' most influential and vital writings. An introduction is just that, and AQUINAS 101 not only provides a far-reaching overview but also nudges the reader to dig a little deeper into selections of the saint's; this reader suggests the ever durable INTRODUCTION TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, edited by Anton C. Pegis.On an aesthetic level, AQUINAS 101 is a quality paperbound volume. The cover painting of the saint gazing heavenward with a longing, searching expression is beautifully, spiritually alluring. The prologue (outlining Aquinas' life), glossary, notes, and index are all indispensable. And the type is clear and comfortable to view.Readers with a budding or general interest in St. Thomas' philosophy and theology should find AQUINAS 101 a valuable resource.

Selman does a good job of adequately surveying Aquinas' theological works. He cites frequently and accurately. Having read quite a bit of Aquinas myself, I have to say that he covers a broad range of Aquinas' topics, and discusses them thoroughly as well as accurately. The reason I took away a star is that I'm still holding out for an author that is able to accomplish the above and be able to tone the language down to a little easier reading level. I was able to follow it just fine with some effort, but I'm also in a doctor of ministry program. For someone with very little background in philosophy or theology, or simply someone with an English reading level that may not be up to grad-school level this book may be a struggle to understand. That being said, it is WAY easier to follow than a lot of Aquinas surveys I've read. However if you have an interest in the philosophy that went into the medieval process of logically processing out much of Christian theology, Aquinas is definitely one of the giants.

I found this book to be very helpful.... Part I, which focused on the philosophical/scholasticim of St. Thomas was well written and was very helpful to someone with a limited philosophical background; however, Part II, which was more theologically-oriented, was a rich mindfield, more readable than Part I, and very, very detailed in the "arguments" St. Thomas presened in his understanding of Truth. I really appreciated the Glossary at the back of the book. This was my first excursion into St. Thomas' thinking....it is not a page-turner, but it is a great place to start.... one or two pages at a time!

Very few theologians can be as daunting as St. Thomas Aquinas. As one who has studied his work for years, I have often longed for a brief text that clearly expounded the thought of St. Thomas and in this volume I have found it. Written for the general audience and presuming no great knowledge of either theology or philosophy, this book is a real gem. It could even be used as a source book for a small group discussion or as an introduction to the larger works of this Saint, whose writings have guided Christian thought for over seven centuries.

I know, I know, I know. The book is titled Aquinas 101 and is intended to present a broad overview. That being said, I found it to contain too much discussion of philosophical issues (virtues, the sacraments, etc.) and not enough elucidation of theological issues (creation, good and evil, etc.).Please, no hate mail...

Have tried to read Aquinas in the past, bur medieval scholasticism is not a light afternoon's reading, so, why not a book -about- Aquinas. This is clear and readable, and a good, understandable intro to Aquinas' complex thought. I will have better luck going on from here after reading this book.

Very good book to start studying St. Thomas - Doctor of the Catholic Church. Like he said once "the principal intention of sacred doctrine is to hand on a knowledge of God - cognitionem dei tradere".

Great intro for duffers like me who haven’t read enough of the great Aquinas