The Thomistic Institute Why We Need the Saints – Prof. Adam Eitel
Dec 1, 2025
Prof. Adam Eitel, an Associate Professor of Theology at the University of Dallas and expert on Thomas Aquinas, discusses the vital role of saints in moral formation. He explores divine pedagogy and how the lives of saints serve as essential examples for enduring sorrow and growing in virtue. Eitel highlights Aquinas' insights on Job's patience and the significance of hagiographical stories in teaching virtues. He also argues that saints help us navigate the complexities of imitating Christ by providing relatable, concrete models of holiness.
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Divine Pedagogy Uses Exemplary Lives
- God has a pedagogy that guides us to salvation beyond mere abstract truth.
- Adam Eitel argues that the examples of saints are an indispensable element of that divine pedagogy.
Aquinas: Saints Prepared For Our Salvation
- Thomas Aquinas interprets Scripture as preparing the examples of saints for our benefit.
- Those saintly examples are providentially preserved to procure occasions for our salvation.
Job's Suffering Was Made An Example
- God makes the lives of the righteous visible so others can learn from them.
- Thomas argues Job's suffering was allowed so his patience could be an enduring example for future generations.
