Thomas Aquinas on the Beatitudes
Reading Matthew, Disputing Grace and Virtue, Preaching Happiness
By (author) A. ten Klooster
Paperback (Published)
(June 2018)
ISBN: 9789042936430
Price: $50.00
Out of stock
This study shows that Aquinas believes that the beatitudes describe a number of virtuous actions, the exercise of which is made possible by grace, specified in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. To all those observing the new law constituted by the beatitudes, a reward is promised in the form of eternal happiness. Any happiness that can be had in this life is at best an inchoate form of the reward of eternal happiness, which is described in the second part of each individual beatitude.
What is happiness and how do we attain it? Saint Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1226-1274) devoted much time to these questions. In studying them he always returned to the beatitudes as they are found in Matthew 5:1-10. They function as the framework for his theology of human happiness. This study presents that theology as it comes to the fore in Aquinas’ performance of his three tasks as a magister at the Parisian university: to read Scripture, to dispute theological topics, and to preach. This study shows that Aquinas believes that the beatitudes describe a number of virtuous actions, the exercise of which is made possible by grace, specified in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. To all those observing the new law constituted by the beatitudes, a reward is promised in the form of eternal happiness. Any happiness that can be had in this life is at best an inchoate form of the reward of eternal happiness, which is described in the second part of each individual beatitude.
- By (author) A. ten Klooster
Other Titles in this Series
Initiation and Mystagogy in Thomas Aquinas
Scriptural, Systematic, Sacramental and Moral, and Pastoral Perspectives
Volume 19
Divine Transcendence and Immanence in the Work of Thomas Aquinas
A Collection of Studies presented at the Third Conference of the Thomas Instituut te Utrecht, December 15-17, 2005
Volume 13
The Three Rings
Textual Studies in the Historical Trialogue of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Volume 11
The Enduring Significance of Thomas Aquinas
Essays in Honor of Henk Schoot and Rudi te Velde
Volume 21
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