Product Description
In recent years, there has been a great revival of interest in natural law thinking, one that has occurred across a range of disciplines and perspectives—from the philosophical and theological to the most contemporary debates in the area of legal and political philosophy. Much of this recent work is traced to the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. To explore and evaluate the current revival, this volume brings together many of the foremost scholars on natural law. They examine the relation between Thomistic natural law and the larger philosophical and theological tradition. Furthermore, they assess the contemporary relevance of St. Thomas’s natural law doctrine to current legal and political philosophy.

The book contains an extensive introduction to the topic, followed by four sections that treat various aspects of natural law thinking. The first section examines some of the philosophical foundations of natural law, especially the understanding of nature it presupposes. The second section is devoted to the theological context in which St. Thomas’s natural law doctrine is situated. The essays in the third section discuss the new natural law theory espoused by Germain Grisez and John Finnis and the hotly debated question as to whether their theory is genuinely Thomistic. The final section explores several contemporary legal and political issues in light of St. Thomas’s natural law thinking. ... Read more

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Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a treasure trove of wisdom
Pieper did us all a great service by collecting these incisive sayings of the great philosopher saint.St Thomas has this way of almost stunning the reader by his pernetrating wisdom.Meditate on the sayings contained in this little book!

Pithy Wisdom
Professor of Philosophy Edward T. Oakes S.J. writes of this compendium of quotes of St. Thomas Aquinas:

[In response to someone telling him St. Thomas Aquinas was a great aphorist, a coiner of one line wise sayings] I rejoined that a medieval scribe who became the most famous practitioner of that notoriously hairsplitting method called Scholasticism--and who produced something like eight million words, in the pre-Gutenberg era to boot--could hardly be called an aphorist. But this faithful correspondent then pointed me to Josef Pieper's marvelous collection of Thomistic one-liners called The Human Wisdom of St. Thomas: A Breviary of Philosophy, which taught me otherwise. Until I had read this powerful (but also exhausting!) book, I had not realized how concise, pithy, indeed almost aphoristic, the medievals were forced to be.

Remarkably, Pieper resolutely refused to provide so much as a single line of commentary in his "breviary." All he furnished, arranged in vague topical categories, were the one-line conclusions to Thomas' positions, not the arguments for them. But even standing alone, they have a way of, well, standing on their own. I'll cite a few just to give you an idea:

* Everything eternal is necessary.
* Every creature participates in goodness in the same degree as it participates in being.
* In the universe, only the intellectual nature is sought on its own account, all others on account of it.
* Desire of the knowledge of truth is peculiar to human nature.
* Evil is not caused except by good.
* Everything evil is rooted in some good, and everything false in some truth.
* Evil produces no effect except in virtue of some good.
* However much evil is multiplied, it is never able completely to swallow good.
* Stronger than the evil in wickedness is the good in goodness.
* Good can be realized in purer form than evil. For there is some good in which no evil is mixed, but there is nothing so very evil that no good is mixed in it.

Pieper's collection deals only, as the title says, with Thomas' "human" wisdom, meaning his purely philosophical aphorisms, although it would be hard to think of such allegedly pure "philosophical" clarity coming to Thomas except in the light of his faith.
... Read more

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Your key to better prayer: the complete prayers and hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas! Rich with doctrinal exactitude and a moving beauty of expression, the prayers and hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas have long been considered to be among the ChurchÂ’s greatest treasures. Now you can bring these treasures into your own prayer life with The Aquinas

Prayer Book — the first complete English language collection of these stirring prayers.

This handy and beautiful leatherette volume brings you all of St. ThomasÂ’s known prayers and hymns in their Latin originals, along with new English translations. These translations render the originals with superb precision and a soul-fortifying eloquence that rivals St. ThomasÂ’s own masterly use of Latin. A number of these prayers have never before been translated into English.

Prayer and praise . . . for all times and occasions

These works are not meant just to be read, but to be prayed. After all, these are the prayers that St. Thomas himself used to bring radiant order to his own spiritual life — upon rising, before setting to work, during periods of meditation, before Confession and Holy Communion, and even as he received the Last Rites.

Their subjects are as varied as your own daily spiritual needs. Each one will deepen your faith, enlighten your understanding, and lift your heart to God.

Two respected Catholic men of letters collaborated to make this unique collection possible: Robert Anderson, an Aquinas expert and professor of philosophy, and Catholic poet Johann Moser, whose own poems have been acclaimed by Russell Kirk, Thomas Howard, Fr. George Rutler, and others.

Together, these men have produced a work remarkable for its accuracy, its beauty, and, above all, for its profound spirituality. Now you, too, can pray those prayers that helped make St. Thomas Aquinas one of the ChurchÂ’s most renowned and revered saints. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Catholic Gem of great value!
This book of prayers is a great gem from the Treasure Chest of Catholic delights.A helpful aid in meditative as well as vocal prayer.Use the prayers to augment your daily meditation.If you do not meditate presently, pick this book up and soon you will be on your way! St Thomas wrote some of the most beautiful prayers on The Eucharist ever written which every Catholic should have in their hearts when they receive. I love the fact that this book has the prayers in Latin with English translation, because of the nostalgic value of the power of the Latin language, which is (in my view) the language of the Mystical Body of Christ!

A good little prayer book!
This is a nice little prayer book however I expected it to have more prayers and overall the book just feels incomplete. I have many other prayer books which include several other of the saints prayers that I was hoping to have included so that I may have only one prayer book to carry around. However the prayers that are listed are very nice and include the latin version of the prayer as well. If you are Catholic and ever attend Vespers and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament you will notice some of these prayers. There are other prayer books out there much better than this but I DO NOT consider this a waste of money in the least bit!

Thank you!
Glad to see that this is back in print!I searched for this book for over five years, even called and annoyed the publisher.Every Catholic library should have a copy.

EXCELLENT PRAYER BOOK !!!
A great prayer book to carry around to say prayers.
I love this book helps me get closer to God.

Highly Recommended.

An outstanding little devotional. . .
. . .containing many of the beloved prayers and Eucharistic hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas.The volume is arranged with a section of prayers for various occasions, followed by a section of prayers relating to the Eucharist, followed by a section of Thomas's Corpus Christi hymns, followed by a prayer at time of death.

All selections are given with the Latin text on the left and the English text on the right.For the record, the English-language texts represent a different translation than the ones familiar to Anglo-Catholics as represented in, say, the 1940 hymnal.

Altogether, a very nice and accessible devotional.

Five stars. ... Read more

Product Description
Saint Thomas Aquinas, O.P. (also Thomas of Aquin or Aquino; ca. 1225 – 7 March 1274) was an Italian priest of the Catholic Church in the Dominican Order, and an immensely influential philosopher and theologian in the tradition of scholasticism, known as Doctor Angelicus and Doctor Communis. He is frequently referred to as Thomas because "Aquinas" refers to his residence rather than his surname. He was the foremost classical proponent of natural theology, and the father of the Thomistic school of philosophy and theology. His influence on Western thought is considerable, and much of modern philosophy was conceived as a reaction against, or as an agreement with, his ideas, particularly in the areas of ethics, natural law and political theory.
Aquinas is held in the Catholic Church to be the model teacher for those studying for the priesthood. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A book for anyone searching for truth.
This is one of the most powerful little books ever written!It is a great help to anyone who wants to go further in their spiritual journey.You can take it one page at a time, and meditate; or read it all in about an hour.
This books brevity, utility, versatility, and accuracy make it one of the best aids to those trying to raise themselves closer to God.
If I could only own two books, they would be the Bible, itself, and The Ways of God.

A great way to know how to be God's child in this society
I read this in one hour, avidly, soaking in the words on each page.I recommend it highly to everyone who wants to know how to be like God, to live according to His law, how to behave with each other in loving ways.Its also a description of Who God is, how much He loves His children and what we as His children must be to earn eternal life.I'm actually buying more than one to give as presents to friends, relatives.This book was based on St. Thomas Aquinas' writings, according to the preface.And even though it can be read in one hour, I intend to reread all parts as a kind of blueprint for what parts of my self, my life, need reviewing so that perhaps more understanding of GOd's plan, His Will, is at work in my life. ... Read more

Product Description
The writings of John Paul II display contemporary relevence of truths set forth by Aquinas in the thirteenth century.This should not surprise because Aquinas's theology possesses an extraordinary appreciation of biblical revelation and the patristic witness, as well as keen metaphysical penetration.In John Paul II's creative mind, the key insights of Aquinas are extended and developed. ... Read more

Product Description
Christian Perfection and Contemplation is an entire treatise on the operation of grace in the spiritual life that clearly and skillfully explains the great principles of the spiritual life according to St. Thomas Aquinas and other sterling Catholic Sources. In fact, the author's fascinating and extremely informative footnotes are themselves worth the price of the book. Impr. 470 pgs, PB ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Phenomenal Work on Catholic Spirituality
There are many things to say about this book. Firstly, God bless the author, who was the dissertation adviser for Karol Wojtyla (more famously known as Pope John Paul II), and a theological giant during his time. I pray that Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange is being of even greater help from Heaven than he was on earth.

The book's aim is to "explain the unitive way, that we may lead souls to aspire to it, and may encourage them to make generous efforts to attain it" (p. 3) by forming a synthesis of what Lagrange asserts is the traditional Catholic teaching on mysticism--a highly-misunderstood field due especially to Modernism and its after-effects seen today in the so-called New Age movement--between the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John of the Cross. Lagrange makes an effort to show how these two Doctors of the Church complement each other's works and how St. Thomas Aquinas's theology, often accused of being dry and even naturalistic by some (who, by this accusation plainly show that they are not truly familiar with St. Thomas's work and its logical implications), is actually the foundation for the loftiest spirituality.

What, then, does Lagrange discuss in his book? After establishing his methodology with appropriate justifications, he begins by describing what ascetical and mystical theology is, how these two are related, how the former is not separate from the latter but rather the beginning of the latter. Then he dives right into St. Thomas Aquinas's teachings on grace--1) the distinction between the supernatural and the natural and its implications (Lagrange likes to quote Aquinas on how "the smallest degree of grace in a baby is greater than the whole natural order"), 2) the sublimity of the virtue of Faith, so misunderstood today, and 3) efficacious grace and its powerful consequences.

This last point, efficacious grace, has implications not only for the spiritual life, which Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange dedicates a whole article to in its practical applications, but also for concepts like, "Is God the author of evil and sin?"; "How can it be that God predestines those who go to Heaven but does not predestine anyone to Hell?"; and more.

Lagrange then discusses what exactly is the meaning of the mystical life for Catholics--it is the full perfection of the life of grace here on earth, the prelude to eternal life in Heaven, "the Kingdom of Heaven within [us]," that every Christian, under the Commandment of Love that Christ Himself gave us, is bound to strive for. He expounds the three "stages" of the mystical life--the Purgative, Illuminative, and Unitive ways. He shows how the life of a saint is precisely what all Christians are called to, how this isn't something extraordinary, and he gives us the knowledge of the means to strive for it in a practical way. One of the most interesting parts of the book is Lagrange's discussion on "Is the Precept of the Love of God without Limit?" and what are its practical consequences if it has no limit? Absolutely astounding work, highly uplifting.

Lagrange then spends the second half of the book on prayer, beginning from its first stages, ending with its highest and most sublime forms in what is called infused contemplation. He explains what this infused contemplation is, how it is utterly distinct from Buddhist meditation, "emptying the mind," or even variations of the so-called "centering prayer." He shows what supernatural qualities infused contemplation springs from and how to dispose ourselves for receiving this magnificent grace from God, both internal and external.

By the way, what Lagrange discusses in this book (aside from the occasionally theologically abstruse material) will be a distinct challenge to many people. I'm not talking about understanding what he's saying (he's pretty clear on what he's saying, one must simply read a little slower than usual); I'm talking about what it means practically for our lives. Saints challenge us. The call to sainthood is a challenge. Why? Because Jesus Christ is a challenge. Following Christ is following Him to Calvary to die, and from thence, to Resurrection and glory, but always through the Crucifixion (always through fire, as St. Paul says). Lagrange shows why we must follow Christ, and what happens if we don't. One other reviewer put it quite succinctly (more than I can here, for I ramble), but it has to do with going through Purgatory and what that entails, which Lagrange discusses.

In short, this book is for those who want to have their eyes opened. It's a tough read, but worth it, and worth reading again and coming back to certain passages again and again because of Lagrange's lucidity and breathtaking comprehension of how dignified Christians are, what a precious gift we have in these fragile vessels!

After this work, please, I urge the reader, to see his phenomenal, two-volume The Three Ages of the Interior Life, available from TAN Books as well as his other books on the spiritual life available from the same publisher, such as Providence, Predestination, Mother of the Savior and our Interior Life, Life Everlasting, Our Savior and His Love for Us, Three Conversions of the Spiritual Life. Some of his articles from talks he gave while alive are available on the internet for free and can be translated (for they are originally in French). Seek these out and put into practice what Lagrange explains, what the Church has always taught: the fullness of grace and truth, Jesus Christ, the only way to the Father, the truth, life everlasting.

Words can not describe the amazingness of this book.
This book has changed my life forever.I can not say enough about this book.Every single page is packed with information that can be meditated upon at great lengths.

The book goes through the classical three stages of the ascetical and mystical life.It shows that the way of perfection is not just for the cloistered or religious, but for everyone.This thinking helped pave the way for Vatcan II's "universal call to holiness."One very important point (among hundreds) that the author makes is that we WILL be purged of our sins, whether it's in this life or in purgatory.However, our sufferings in purgatory do not merit.But they DO merit if we go through those sufferings here on earth.This consists of the passive purification of the senses, the dark night, etc.It is actually the NORMAL way.We are not "meant" to go through purgatory; we are meant to be purified and attain union with God here in this life.Yet very, very few people do.

This stuff is just so fascinating, and gives such practical advice.It brings this whole complicated issue to the level of the laymen and encourages him that he can attain the spirituality of the greats.Like I said above, this book has changed my life forever.I will continue to read Fr Garrigou-Lagrange, as well as St. John of the Cross, Aquinas, and all the great spiritual writers in order to learn more about this wonderful Catholic tradition we have.Eckhart Tolle and other New Age spirituality have nothing on what we Catholics have had for hundreds of years.It's time we start living and learning the deep spiritual aspects of our faith. ... Read more

Product Description
Philosophers and theologians who still consider belief in God to need rational justification frequently offer the arguments of Aquinas as such as justification. This book is a systematic study of the Five Ways by which St. Thomas Aquinas, in the Summa Theologiae, said that the existence of God could be demonstrated. The arguments are evaluated critically to show what they establish and what they fail to establish. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Five Ways
Anthony Kenny shows us the mechanics of how St. Thomas Aquinas thinks.Even for those who are unfamiliar with Scholastic Philosophy in general can appreciate how Aristotle's Logic is used with rigor to expound on this particular exposition.Kenny pulls this off with uncommon clarity while exposing the intellectual structure that supports the "Angelic" Doctor's arguments.One should read Bertrand Russell's critique of the "Five Proofs" in conjunction with Anthony Kenny's monograph to get a balanced appraisal of St. Thomas' achievement.If this is done one can see that Kenny's contribution to the subject is essential.
... Read more

Product Description
Knowing the Love of Christ provides a thorough introduction to the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas in accessible language. As a complement to the many short introductions to St. Thomas’s philosophy, this book fills a gap in the literature on Thomas—a comprehensive introduction to his thought written by theologians. With enthusiasm and insight, Michael Dauphinais and Matthew Levering make available the vast theology of Thomas Aquinas.

Focusing upon the Summa Theologiae, Dauphinais and Levering illumine the profoundly biblical foundations of Thomas’s powerful vision of reality. Drawing upon their own experience, the authors guide readers into grappling with the fresh and penetrating insights of St. Thomas. Students at all stages of theological education will find this book an enriching introduction to the mysteries of the Christian faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Introduction
This book does a wonderful job of introducing Christ to the lay person who may be weak with theology definitions.

Confused about St. Thomas Aquinas? Check this out...
Are you confused about the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas?Does the mere mention of the word "theology" leave you colder than January in New England?Then check out Dauphinais and Levering's great introduction to St. Thomas Aquinas! They've written a clear and lucid precis that will get the reader interested in the challenging yet rewarding work of reading the corpus of St. Thomas' writings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Masterpiece. Exhaustive and Complete!
If you enjoy Aristotle and Aquinas and would like to gain a better understanding on Aristotle's work titled "Physics," then this is definitely a book you need to own. While there are literally hundreds of titles in print and out of print (but able to be found) on Aristotle'sphysics, there is no book that matches this one. This is yet anotherexample of the "dumb ox" rising to the occasion again. Aquinastakes Aristotle's "Physics"lecture by lecture (i.e. passage bypassage) and comments on what Aristotle is espousing. This is 638 pages ofgreat detail, philosophy, and comments by one of the greatest philosophersin philosophical history (Aquinas), about one of the greatest philosopher'swork. The work is translated by Blackwell, Spath, and Thirlkel, and has aforward written by one of the most renown Thomistic scholars of our day,namely, Ralph McInerny. The translators have done a wonderful job of takinga difficult topic and language and making it easy to read and simple tofollow. Aquinas breaks down all of Aristotle's arguments, writings,comments, etc. into helpful and easy to understand comments. Furthermore,Aquinas takes words/phrases that are used by Aristotle and explains theircontext, intent, and meaning. Anybody who is familiar with Aquinas knowsthatAquinas can say more in less than most if not all of the greatestphilosophers. Therefore, if you want a commentary that will exhaustivelyexplain Aristotle's "Physics" then look no further. ... Read more

Product Description
THIS 28 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: St. Thomas Aquinas Philosophical Texts, by St. Thomas Aquinas . To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766140032. ... Read more