Kategoriarkiv: Summa theologica

Thomas discusses the old problem of how those born before Christ could be saved through faith in him. Thomas answer is a bit surprising, I have to say: If, however, some were saved without receiving any revelation, they were not … Fortsätt läsa →

Ok, finished the I-II, on with the II-II and the virtues! Faith first, of which Thomas has this very interesting thing to say: Q 2,4. It is necessary for man to accept by faith not only things which are above … Fortsätt läsa →

A lot of pointless debates could have been avoided if people had read Thomas more carefully. I.e. on in what sense humans can do something to prepare to accept grace. This seems to be exactly right to me: As stated … Fortsätt läsa →

It has been a long time since I posted anything on Thomas, though I do keep reading a questio a day. A real pearl today, I think (I-IIQ84:1): According to some, covetousness may be understood in different ways. First, as … Fortsätt läsa →

Having finished what could be called Thomas psychology (questions 6 to 17 of the Ia IIae) one can only wonder at how we got from this extremely detailed analysis of the way the human souls functions, how decisions are made … Fortsätt läsa →

This I find interesting. Thomas discusses ”Whether Any Good Works Are Necessary That Man May Receive Happiness from God?” (Q5, 7). Since Happiness is the ultimate goal of all human beings, this is more or less the reformation question of … Fortsätt läsa →

In questio 4 of the I-II, Thomas discusses what is necessary for happiness. Again the distinction between perfect happiness (the vision of God) and imperfect happiness is central. Clearly this is a risky strategy, since anything that is necassary merely … Fortsätt läsa →

Happiness is the fulfillment of desire, thus perfect happiness is the perfect fullfillment of the highest desire, that is the desire for God, or more exactly: ”The Vision of the Divine Essence”. Since happiness of this kind is eschatological the … Fortsätt läsa →

Having taken a break in my reading of Thomas over the summer (no bus rides to work!) I last week finished the Prima Pars, also the first volume in my edition of ST. The three of you that read this … Fortsätt läsa →