Thomas Aquinas Theologian

Drawing on the tradition of the Dominican Order and over twenty-five years of classroom teaching, O'Meara makes a well-qualified guide to the faith and vision of Thomas Aquinas. Introducing readers to the cultural and theological worlds of Aquinas, O'Meara examines the Summa theologiae in terms of its purpose and multiple structures. Also, he conducts a tour through the great themes of Christianity as presented in the Summa -- themes which range from the Triune divine being, to the graced person as the image of God and a member of the body of Christ, to life beyond death.O'Meara complements his study with an overview of six centuries of interpretation of Aquinas, revealing how many schools and disciples have advocated and employed his thought. Providing a vivid contemporary exposition of Aquinas's theology, O'Meara reveals how it mirrored the creative directions of his personality as well as the times in which he lived, and also incorporated the cultural and scientific insights available to him. Also, O'Meara discusses how Aquinas's themes can contribute to meaningful study of contemporary theology, particularly in relation to psychology, art, and a theology of world religions.

An insightful contribution to our contemporary understanding of Aquinas, O'Meara's new book is intelligent, articulate, and will prove accessible to beginning readers and veteran Thomists alike.

Thomas F. O'Meara, O.P., is the William K. Warren Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame.