Aquinas and His Role in Theology (Theology)

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: This book is a small masterpiece of synthesis and inspired interpretation. Fr. Chenu was one of the leading medievalists of the twentieth century. His work contextualized St. Thomas' thought revealing the deep contemplative roots of the seemingly arid logic of the theological treatises as well as its political relevance for the medieval Church. The author's elucidation of the relationship between contemplation, praxis and "doing" theology in St. Thomas is pertinent to current debates about the nature and purpose of theological reflection. As Fr. Chenu explains, for St. Thomas theology was not only tied to lectio divina, and thus Scripturally based, but also directed to the common good, which "is more divine than individual moral perfection." St. Thomas is portrayed as a contemplative genius whose commitment to poverty, more than the sacrifice of an ascetic, manifested a concern with social justice.

The book is also particularly valuable for its clarification of St. Thomas' realism in contrast to the dialectical relationship between Grace and Nature of Augustinian theologies. Fr. Chenu points out that the modern nominalist assumption that the divine can only be made manifest in irrational thought-forms is countered by St. Thomas' demonstration that the rational is a reflection of God's wisdom. Epistemological realism is thus consistent with God's desire that we should abide in a universe which is knowable through the autonomous (albeit graced) rationality of creatures.

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: This book is a small masterpiece of synthesis and inspired interpretation. Fr. Chenu was one of the leading medievalists of the twentieth century. His work contextualized St. Thomas' thought revealing the deep contemplative roots of the seemingly arid logic of the theological treatises as well as its political relevance for the medieval Church. The author's elucidation of the relationship between contemplation, praxis and "doing" theology in St. Thomas is pertinent to current debates about the nature and purpose of theological reflection. As Fr. Chenu explains, for St. Thomas theology was not only tied to lectio divina, and thus Scripturally based, but also directed to the common good, which "is more divine than individual moral perfection." St. Thomas is portrayed as a contemplative genius whose commitment to poverty, more than the sacrifice of an ascetic, manifested a concern with social justice.

The book is also particularly valuable for its clarification of St. Thomas' realism in contrast to the dialectical relationship between Grace and Nature of Augustinian theologies. Fr. Chenu points out that the modern nominalist assumption that the divine can only be made manifest in irrational thought-forms is countered by St. Thomas' demonstration that the rational is a reflection of God's wisdom. Epistemological realism is thus consistent with God's desire that we should abide in a universe which is knowable through the autonomous (albeit graced) rationality of creatures.