Thomas Aquinas: Theologian of the Christian Life (Great Theologians Series)

Rating:
Summary: Some comments from the publisher
Review: I haven't read this book and I'm not affiliated with the publisher, but I found the book description on the publisher's website so fascinating that I couldn't resist posting it here. Now my only question is: when's the mass market paperback edition coming out??

Here's the description:

The work of Thomas Aquinas (1224-1275) has become increasingly influential in recent doctrinal theology and theological ethics, aside from his extraordinary historical significance. Thomas has been read ever since his death, today as much as ever. What is it that distinguishes his work, and can his theological judgments and proposals still be brought to bear in contemporary theological inquiry?

This book presents a new study of Thomas Aquinas, focusing on the evangelical, pastoral and theocentric character of his premodern theology. Healy presents Thomas as first and foremost a theologian of the Christian life, who when he used philosophical concepts did so in order to fulfill the task of theology, which he conceived as an ecclesial discipline dedicated above all to helping Christians follow Jesus Christ. Thomas's interpretation of Scripture and his theological method, his Trinitarian ontology, his Christology and his Christological anthropology, conception of the church and sacramental theology, are all examined from this perspective.

The richness and complexity yet profound simplicity of the Christian way of life Thomas reveals is shown to make a valuable contribution to the thought of contemporary readers, and the significance of Thomas's writings for contemporary theological questions and concerns is revealed.


Contents
Preface; Introduction: life and interpretation; Nudum Christum nudus sequi; The dialectic of wisdom; The economy of salvation: Jesus Christ; The Christian life: Christ and the Holy Spirit; Life in the body of Christ; Index.

Reviews
'Healy asks, "Do we need another book on Thomas?" We certainly do need another book if it is as good as this one. To write with such beautiful clarity and economy about the thought of Aquinas as Healy has done is an extraordinary achievement. This is a book that should be read by anyone beginning to read Aquinas but also by those who have read the Summa Theologica for years.'
Stanley M. Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theology, Duke University, USA

'I cannot imagine a better account of Thomas Aquinas as a Christian theologian'. Fergus Kerr OP, Regent of Blackfriars Hall, Oxford, UK

'A wonderful introduction to Thomas, and to the Christian Life, as that involves engagement with scripture and the effort to follow Christ faithfully.'
Kathryn Tanner, Professor of Theology, University of Chicago, USA

'Healy [...] shows in an accessible way some of the character, extent and complexities of Aquinas' mature theology... Healy's contribution adds significantly to the recent secondary literature on Aquinas and, for the present reviewer, he offers the most compelling reason for engaging intensely with Aquinas' deceptively 'clear and succinct' writings: one might learn how to be a more faithful disciple of Jesus christ.' New Blackfriars

'[Healy's] stimulating reading of Aquinas paints a fuller portrait of him for students of theology. Those who remain committed to more philosophical interpretations will also find much of interest here, not least the challenge to sketch alternative portraits of Aquinas postmodernus.' TLS

Further Information
Affiliation: Nicholas M. Healy, St John's University, USA
ISBN: 0 7546 1472 7
Publication Date: 05/2003
Number of Pages: 182 pages
Binding: Paperback
Binding Options: Available in Hardback and Paperback