Saint Thomas d'Aquin et la Théologie

Maîtres spirituels #17

by Marie-Dominique Chenu

Saint Thomas d’Aquin et la théologie Nombreux ont été les théologiens de valeur et de renom dans l’histoire de l’Église catholique. Pourtant, c’est Thomas d’Aquin (1225-1274), le « docteur angélique », qui a fini par être considéré comme le représentant éminent, la figure par excellence de la théologie. Ce petit livre, un joyau de clarté, explique qui il fut, le contexte historique, culturel, religieux et spirituel dans lequel se déroulèrent sa vie et sa carrière de théologien, le contenu et le sens de sa réflexion théologique, en particulier de sa grande œuvre, la Somme théologique , et la valeur de cette théologie aujourd’hui. Il met aussi en lumière, grâce à un échantillon de textes, le rapport entre foi et raison, entre évangile et théologie. L’ouvrage est suivi d’une chronologie sur la vie de Thomas, ses œuvres et les principaux événements de son temps. Marie-Dominique Chenu (1895-1990) Le père Marie-Dominique Chenu, dominicain, a été l’un des grands théologiens catholiques du XXe siècle.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Philosophy, Medieval, Biography, History

185 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[David Haines · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a classic introduction to Aquinas, and rightly so. Chenu weaves together a story of Aquinas's life in which he provides the reader not only with the historical and biographical background of the life and times of Aquinas, but also with a historically informed overview of Aquinas's main theological positions and writings. It is certainly not an easy book to read (as the author uses a rich vocabulary and complex style of writing to portray the greatness of Aquinas--sometimes going a bit overboard); it is not, however, a book that goes into great depth in explaining his thought. It's worth is primarily for the historical and biographical picture that is painted, and how Chenu situates Aquinas's writings in that historical context.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the standard introduction on Aquinas. It is thematically rather than chronologically organized. Each chapter is divided in two: the author's take on a theological issue, and excerpts from Aquinas' works to support the author's contention. It is frankly a difficult structure to navigate. Furthermore, the author's prose (at least in the English translation that I assume is faithful) is a florid fog of theological and mystical speculation that frequently is difficult to follow and understand, sort of like reading a mystical testimony.

[Adam Marischuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie-Dominique Chenu was a giant in the field of Thomistic studies, along with Etienne Gilson, Jacques Maritain and Henri de Lubac. His historical approach was controversial and rubbed all the wrong people the right way.

That said, I was a little disappointed in this book and the blame falls squarely on my own shoulders. I read this book many years ago hoping for an in-depth analysis of Thomistic philosophy when the title clearly states that the focus of his book is on his role in theology. Maybe I anticipated the role his philosophy would play in theology, or his theological impact on the development of Christian doctrine and Catholic dogma, but the book is slightly different from that.

I assume it was written for seminarians as an introduction to the Saint and his philosophy at a time when seminarian formation included more emphasis on Aquinas. That would explain the heavy emphasis on the theme of the active and contemplative life, which dominated the book, and formed the longest chapter (chapter 3). At times it would appear that M-D Chenu is recruiting of the Dominicans, with their special combination of the contemplative and active life..-and with the role (and limits) of reason in pursuing theology (chapter 2).

The fact that the book is a little light on the influence of Aristotle came as no big surprise as Chenu was a leader in reinterpreting Thomism as not merely a reframing of Aristotle, but noting some specific debts to Platonism and neo-Platonism (the Pseudo-Dionysius).

The reflections in each chapter are apt and interesting, and the selection of writings relevant and a good introduction to the thought of Aquinas.

Here are a couple gems:

His Summa Theologiae, despite its technical methodology, can only be understood properly as a living emanation from the pagina sacra (the sacred page of the Bible). (p. 21)

"If we were to resolve the problems posed by faith exclusively by means of authority, we will of course possess the truth-but in empty heads!" (Quodlibet IV at. 16-Paris, 1271)" (p. 26)

It is this last element, so significant in the Summa Theologiae, that warrants the somewhat romantic comparison between the summas and cathedrals-both significant products of medieval civilization.