Understanding the Summa: A Guide to Catholic Doctrine By Fr Gerrity on May 26, 2024

Understanding the Summa: A Guide to Catholic Doctrine

Summary

Introduction: The Structure of the Summa

The basic format of our study will follow the structure of the Summa Theologiae. While it won't strictly adhere to the question-and-answer format, it will maintain the logical order and structure of the Summa, supplemented by insights from the Council of Trent and other sources. The Summa itself is somewhat of a catechism due to its structured approach. It comes in three parts:

The Prima Pars: God and Creation

The first part, Prima Pars, deals with God and creation. It explores God's nature, His essence, and His role as Creator. It also addresses the relationship between God and His creatures, specifically focusing on angels and the different levels of existence.

The Secunda Pars: Humanity and Virtue

The second part, Secunda Pars, is divided into two sections. The first section addresses humanity, the fall, sin, and our relationship with God. The second section focuses on virtues and human actions, detailing how these actions can draw us closer to or further away from God. Essentially, it covers sin and virtue.

The Tertia Pars: Christ and the Sacraments

The third part, Tertia Pars, centers on Christ, the Church and the sacraments. This part brings the Theologiael exploration full circle, beginning with God, then humanity, and finally the God-man, Christ. The Summa's structure is profoundly beautiful, forming a perfect circle that starts with God and returns to God.

The Importance of Doctrine and Authority

Interestingly, Saint Thomas Aquinas doesn't start the Summa with "Who is God?" Instead, he begins by discussing the importance of teaching, authority, and doctrine. He emphasizes that while arguments from authority are the weakest form of argument, they gain strength when the authority in question is God Himself. Since God cannot lie or be confused, His words, conveyed through doctrine, are infallible and absolute.

Revelation and Interpretation

Revelation comes in two forms: Tradition and Scripture. These two branches of revelation are the very word of God, and they cannot be changed, altered, or manipulated. The authority of the Church is crucial in interpreting these revelations, as it canonized the Bible and defines what constitutes revelation.

Engaging Faith and Reason

Faith is an intellectual virtue that must be exercised. It is given to us by God, but we must practice and work at it to understand Him better. Studying the Summa, the catechism, and the lives of the saints helps us grow in faith by engaging our intellect and reasoning.

Revelation is conveyed through the things of this world, with God speaking to us through means and mediums. The Bible and Tradition are absolute forms of God's word, and our faith in them should be unshakable. We must avoid personalizing or politicizing the Bible, as it holds the ultimate authority.

Understanding and engaging with the principles of faith are essential. While the Church has the authority to interpret doctrine, it is our responsibility to engage our intellect and comprehend the logical progression of thought presented in Theologiael works like the Summa.

Conclusion

The Summa Theologiae, with its logical order and profound insights, remains a masterpiece of scholarship and a crucial guide for understanding Catholic doctrine. By following the structure and teachings of the Summa, supplemented by insights from the Council of Trent and other sources, we can deepen our faith and grow in our understanding of God and His Church.