How many books did St. Thomas Aquinas write? This question often piques the interest of those who study the life and works of this renowned medieval philosopher and theologian. St. Thomas Aquinas, known for his profound impact on both the Catholic Church and the development of Western philosophy, left behind a vast body of work that continues to be studied and revered today.
St. Thomas Aquinas, born in 1225, was an Italian Dominican friar who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of Christian thought. Throughout his life, he produced a multitude of texts that covered a wide range of topics, from metaphysics and ethics to theology and philosophy. While the exact number of books he wrote is subject to debate among scholars, it is generally agreed that he authored at least 72 works.
Some of his most notable writings include the “Summa Theologica,” a comprehensive treatise on theology that is considered his magnum opus. The “Summa Theologica” is divided into three parts: the first part deals with God and the divine, the second part covers the moral life and human nature, and the third part addresses the church and the sacraments. This seminal work has had a lasting influence on the fields of theology, philosophy, and ethics.
In addition to the “Summa Theologica,” St. Thomas Aquinas also wrote a number of commentaries on the Bible, as well as on the works of other philosophers and theologians, such as Aristotle. His commentaries were not only meant to clarify and interpret the works of others but also to demonstrate the compatibility of Christian thought with classical philosophy.
Other significant works by St. Thomas Aquinas include the “Summa contra Gentiles,” which aims to defend Christianity against non-Christian philosophies, and the “Sentences of Peter Lombard,” a collection of theological questions that St. Thomas used as a foundation for his own teachings. He also composed numerous sermons, letters, and treatises on various theological and philosophical topics.
The sheer volume of St. Thomas Aquinas’s writings highlights his intellectual prowess and his dedication to the pursuit of truth. His works have been studied and analyzed for centuries, and his influence can be seen in the teachings of the Catholic Church, as well as in the development of modern philosophy and theology. As scholars continue to explore the depths of his thought, the question of how many books St. Thomas Aquinas wrote remains a testament to his enduring legacy.
