My Way of Life: Pocket Edition of St. Thomas: The Summa Simplified for Everyone

by Walter Farrell, Martin J. Healy

Popular devotional classic.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Theology, Classics, Philosophy, Christianity, Spirituality

629 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Father Walter Farrell OP., STD., STM., was a prominent Moral Theologian of the Dominican Central Province.

He was editor of the "Dominicana" during his time as a Student Brother at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC. He later joined the Province of St. Albert the Great after its foundation in 1939. He helped to launch "The Thomist", a quarterly speculative review, in April 1939.

Father Farrell passed away at River Forest, Illinois, at the age of 49.

Reviews

[Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few books in the world that are more difficult to get through than the "Summa Theologica" by St. Thomas Aquinas. Although the Summa is an unparelleled treasure of Catholic wisdom, it is very philosophical and dense and not to mention long. So when I heard that Thomistic scholar Father Walter Farrell wrote a synopsis of the Summa that is readable and inspiring, I was skeptical. But, having read it, this is one of my favorite inspirational books.

"My Way of Life" is not only a fair and accurate summary of the teaching of St. Thomas Aquinas, but it is written in a very readable way, a poetic and inspiring way. It is small enough to fit in one's pocket and can be easily used as a daily devotional guide. The book is composed of small paragraphs that can be taken as small prayer aids. And the English in this book is modern and interesting, no 'thees' and 'thous'. Fr. Farrell makes St. Thomas come alive in a way that I have not seen in any other author, and it's very accessible.

If you are interested in reading a great source of Catholic wisdom, you must get this book!

[booklady]

This book was recommended by my friend, Lucy who said about this book: 'There is also a little book i think i mentioned to you before but not in our last email on this subject, which i think would be beneficial, it is My Way of Life published by the Confraternity of Precious Blood. You probably already have it. In any case, it is based on St. Thomas Aquinas' defense of the faith, the Summa Theologica. It is written in very clear and succinct form and i know you will gain much, pardon me, "ammunition" and knowledge from it.'

[John Keenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been reading and digesting this book for years, as it is a summa of the Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas. I started another review of it this year, reading about Thomas summation of the virtues. Highly recommended.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one of those books you pick up on a regular basis .... and tune into the matter of the moment at hand. The copy I have is green leather bound, Confraternity of the Precious Blood - Brooklyn N.Y. 1952, silk ribbon and autographed by a Fr. Joe (possibly the Director of the Confraternity.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exceptional. Today's teachings of the faith are very weak. This book will teach you everything you need to know. I wrote a 20 page summary on this book and plan to share it with people I know who were not properly catechized.

[Anthony Rewak · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is an old Latin saying: "Respice ad finem." It means "Look to the end." If our journey through Christian doctrine under the leadership of St. Thomas means anything, that meaning can be summed up in this saying: "Look to the end!""

A little book, but a WONDERFUL book, recommended to many. The first parts of the book were written by Walter Farrell OP STD - for me these were the best parts. The latter parts were written by Martin J. Healy STD - these were a good summary of teachings. All of it forms a whole, and all of it is very useful -> a little book to return to, possibly annually! I recommend purchasing a copy for yourself, or for a friend, while it is still in print, & then READ IT.

Peace and blessings to you wherever you may be / however you may be while reading this review. Amen!

[Clare Dinnocenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

y God’s Grace I have completed the reading of this beautiful book.

This book is a simplification of St Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica. Actually it is an attempt to make philosophy prose. It is very satisfying.

[Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good summary of St. Thomas Aquinas' theology in a practical and readable way. A little sexist/ableist in parts, so be warned.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely not a quick or easy read, but well-worth diving into weighty theological concepts.

[Seth Estlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

the whole Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas boiled down into a readable pocket-sized book. i recommend it.