The Trinitarian Theology of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Abstract

This is an overview of the Trinitarian theology of the philosopher and theologian, St Thomas Aquinas (1225–74), one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time. The book provides clear explanations of difficult concepts, illustrating the implications of Trinitarian theology for Christian devotional practice. The book systematically and simply introduces what it was that St Thomas Aquinas said about faith in the Trinity, providing an explanation of the main questions in Thomas's treatise on the Trinity in his major work, the Summa Theologiae. Clarifying the central ideas through which Thomas accounts for the nature of Trinitarian monotheism, the text focuses on the personal relations of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, both in their eternal communion and in their creative and saving action. By highlighting the thoughts and philosophies of one of the greatest defenders of the doctrine of the Trinity, the book allows ordinary people to grasp and comprehend the classical Christian understanding of God as three in one.