The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture WOF 021: How and Why to Read Thomas Aquinas
8 snips
May 3, 2016 
Bishop Barron, a prominent Catholic bishop known for his engaging insight into theology, explores the life and writings of Thomas Aquinas. He shares how Aquinas shaped the Church and Western thought. The conversation covers entry-level books to grasp his complex 'Summa Theologiae' and discusses Aquinas's unique disputatio style. Bishop Barron also addresses Bertrand Russell's critique and emphasizes why Aquinas remains a spiritual master worth studying today. It's a deep dive into philosophical engagement with faith.
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Bishop Barron's Discovery of Aquinas
- Bishop Barron discovered Aquinas at 14 through a Dominican friar's lecture on God's existence.
- This sparked a lifelong fascination with Aquinas, leading him to explore complex theological works.
Aquinas's Impact
- Thomas Aquinas, a dominant figure in scholastic philosophy and theology, shaped Catholic thought during a vibrant period.
- He synthesized biblical Catholicism and Aristotelian philosophy, revolutionizing the Church's doctrine and cultural interaction.
Entry Points to Aquinas
- For an overview of Aquinas's works, explore commentaries by scholars like Peter Kreeft, F.C. Copleston, Etienne Gilson, and G.K. Chesterton.
- These provide accessible introductions to his complex philosophical and theological concepts.