Aquinas and His Role in Theology

Maîtres spirituels #17

by Marie-Dominique Chenu, Paul Philibert (Translator)

In  Aquinas and His Role in Theology , Marie Dominique Chenu provides a lively and representative overview of the life and writings of the thirteenth-century theologian whom many consider to be the greatest master of Catholic religious thought. A rich explanation of the prolific and versatile books of Aquinas follows the story of his life's journey through the heart of Europe in the high Middle Ages. Chenu also portrays the religious and spiritual personality of Aquinas, showing how his typically systematic theology is rooted in personal contemplative roots and a passion for pastoral preaching. Chapters are "The Friar Preacher," "Master in Sacred Theology," "The Contemplative," "The Herald of a New Christianity," " Imago Mundi, " "The Virtuous Life," "The Fate of St. Thomas," and "The Works of St. Thomas." Includes illustrations. Marie Dominique Chenu was a leader in applying historical method to the study of Thomas Aquinas. He published widely in both medieval and contemporary theology. Paul Philibert, OP, STD, is the author of  Seeing and Believing  and served as Translator for  Liturgy and the Arts , both published by The Liturgical Press. He is also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Church and Society at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri.

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

160 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.