The Aquinas Catechism

by Thomas Aquinas, Ralph McInerny (Foreword by)

Originally published as two books: "The Three Greatest Prayers," and "God's Greatest Gifts." Deeply insightful, straightforward, and clear explanations of the Apostles' Creed, the Commandments, and the Sacraments; this book gives you a basic course in the Faith, taught by the Church's greatest theologian.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Catholic, Philosophy, Christian, Reference, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2000

About the author

Philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar and theologian of Italy and the most influential thinker of the medieval period, combined doctrine of Aristotle and elements of Neoplatonism, a system that Plotinus and his successors developed and based on that of Plato, within a context of Christian thought; his works include the Summa contra gentiles (1259-1264) and the Summa theologiae or theologica (1266-1273).

Saint Albertus Magnus taught Saint Thomas Aquinas.

People ably note this priest, sometimes styled of Aquin or Aquino, as a scholastic. The Roman Catholic tradition honors him as a "doctor of the Church."

Aquinas lived at a critical juncture of western culture when the arrival of the Aristotelian corpus in Latin translation reopened the question of the relation between faith and reason, calling into question the modus vivendi that obtained for centuries. This crisis flared just as people founded universities. Thomas after early studies at Montecassino moved to the University of Naples, where he met members of the new Dominican order. At Naples too, Thomas first extended contact with the new learning. He joined the Dominican order and then went north to study with Albertus Magnus, author of a paraphrase of the Aristotelian corpus. Thomas completed his studies at the University of Paris, formed out the monastic schools on the left bank and the cathedral school at Notre Dame. In two stints as a regent master, Thomas defended the mendicant orders and of greater historical importance countered both the interpretations of Averroës of Aristotle and the Franciscan tendency to reject Greek philosophy. The result, a new modus vivendi between faith and philosophy, survived until the rise of the new physics. The Catholic Church over the centuries regularly and consistently reaffirmed the central importance of work of Thomas for understanding its teachings concerning the Christian revelation, and his close textual commentaries on Aristotle represent a cultural resource, now receiving increased recognition.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a re-read, and I still learned from it.

St. Thomas Aquinas is a doctor of the Church, but his manner of teaching is so accessible! Sometimes the writing of some saints is too deep for me to clearly understand, but not his. His language reminds me of that of St. Teresa of Avila, another of my heroes. He would preach to the poor and simple, and he had a true gift for comprehensible communication, and the gift of Wisdom.

In this book he explains the layered meanings behind certain beliefs and prayers. He breaks down each one into its various phrases and increments, then breaks those down into deeper meanings. Following are some of the topics he expounded on:

-The Apostles Creed
-The Nicene Creed
-The Lord's Prayer
-The Hail Mary
-The Ten Commandments
-The Sacraments

This is just a very small portion of his writings, as his magnum opus is the Summa Theologica. That one is a little intimidating due to it's sheer size, so this is a small alternative into a relatively few matters of the faith. One day I will read it, though! I've been considering it for many years, and from what I have seen and heard, it is well worth the read.

[Clara Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

We say our prayers without thinking or quite understanding the words we are saying.

In reading The Aquinas Catechism, you will find a good understanding in the meaning of The Apostles Creed, Our Father, Hail May, The Ten Commandments, The Sacraments.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Catholic should read this. Clear and succinct. Very easy to read. You can't go wrong with St Thomas Aquinas a Doctor of the Church.

[Jed Ojeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of catechetical Lenten sermons written by St Thomas Aquinas, something like a "Summa for the simple". He does a very good job of explaining the Christian faith simply. Highly edifying and it makes for excellent reading, whether it is Lent or not.

[Francis E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

St Thomas Aquinas, though a very intellectual writer, is able to communicate the complex truths of the Catholic faith in simple words, such that anyone may understand them. His commentary on the Apostles’ Creed, explaining the faith, is thorough and not only explains what is to be believed, but also refuted errors along the way. His commentary on the Ave Maria, though only half of what today is the Hail Mary prayer, is, by far, my personal favorite section of the book. It is beautiful, thoroughly, and Catholic. His treatment of the Sacraments is very simple, but also very detailed, giving what the form and matter for each Sacrament is. This book is also very useful, because (1) St Thomas gives a large amount of Biblical and Patristic citations when explaining literally any point, and (2) because the editor has included an Appendix at the end which neatly summarizes everything touched upon in the different commentaries, sections, and subsections. Highly recommend.

“Thus is the Virgin blessed, but still more blessed is her Fruit” (page 170).

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy introduction to Aquinas' thought and his way of systematizing theology. Simple and fast.

[Alex Mahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant resource for understanding core Catholic teachings. I found it a great way of explaining the Creed and the Commandments, linking each point clearly to Scripture. It manages to be both theological and practical, which made it easier to reflect on the faith more deeply.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent read for dipping your toes into Thomistic philosophy and theology. It will be a useful reference for the future as well.

[Almachius]

Clarity. Structure. Simplicity. Not particularly convincing as an apologetics tool, but a splendid manual of the basics nevertheless. The format of this edition is really helpful.

[Melissa Bair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for ongoing formation with the Lay Dominicans.

[Erik]

Listed by Patrick Madrid in the Reading Plan of Search and Rescue in Phase 1 (Preliminary). ("simple but profound catechetics")

[Ilya Kozlov · Rating 5 out of 5]

aquinas for idiot like me----st thomas talks about creed----easy super practical---little gun against heresies in my head

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent concise summary of Orthodox Christian theology.