Aquinas, Faith, and Wisdom

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course offers a theological introduction to the main teachings of the Christian faith, through the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. Throughout his theology, Aquinas is committed to identifying, proclaiming, and interpreting the principal Christian claims: about the triune God who is beginning and end of all existence; about Christ, who is God become human for the salvation of others; about humans, who are made by and for God, and who through Christ can attain to God as their end. Aquinas is concerned as well to show the overall coherence of the main affirmations about God, Christ (and his sacraments) and humans. Supplementary readings will be drawn from throughout the theological traditions, both East and West, to confirm and undergird, occasionally challenge, Aquinas in his pursuit of understanding of the Christian faith. Included will be selections from conciliar documents; Augustine; Cyril of Alexandria; Maximus the Confessor; Anselm; Bonaventure; John Calvin; and, Karl Barth and Joseph Ratzinger.