Thomas Aquinas not only shaped the Church, but influenced
much of Western civilization. Who was this great saint? What
are some of his important writings? And how should we begin to read
his masterful Summa theologiae? Bishop Barron
offers some answers in this week's episode. A bright
14-year-old listener asks about Bertrand Russell's famous criticism
of Aquinas, and how to respond.
Topics Discussed
- 0:27 - Updates from Bishop Barron's
life
- 1:53 - How did Bishop Barron discover Thomas
Aquinas?
- 3:23 - Who was Thomas Aquinas?
- 4:45 - Surveying Aquinas' major works
- 7:42 - Best entry-level books on Thomas
Aquinas
- 10:03 - Aquinas'
unique disputatio style
- 13:07 - How Thomas Aquinas would engage the
New Atheists
- 15:36 - Why is it worth reading Thomas
Aquinas?
- 17:16 - How should we begin reading
the Summa theologiae?
- 19:40 - The landscape and structure of
the Summa
- 21:44 - Why Aquinas is a spiritual
master
- 24:40 - Question from listener: how to respond
to Bertrand Russell's crtiqiue of Aquinas?
Bonus Resources
Find bonus links and resources for this episode at http://WordOnFireShow.com and
be sure to submit your questions at http://AskBishopBarron
