The Theology of Fear in Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologiae [Hardcover]

The Theology of Fear in Thomas Aquinass Summa Theologiaeexcavates and explores Thomas Aquinass comparatively expansive theology of fear that he develops in the Summa theologiae. Whereas many classify fear under a single category (e.g., an emotion, passion, or sentiment), Thomas specifies seven major categories of fear, including the passion and gift of fear. And while many classify courage as the lone virtue indexed to fear, Thomas argues that courage and perseverance perfect it, adding that a Spirit-empowered gift of courage also perfects human fears so that human beings may attain and remain in blessedness. A work in retrieval theology designed for Thomas and non-Thomas scholars operating within the interactions of theology and psychology, this book argues that understanding this theologys motivations, internal coherence, and merits is necessary for understanding Thomass instruction for beginners in the Christian religion and its ongoing relevance for today.Nathan Luis Cartagenais assistant professor of philosophy at Wheaton College.

Fear is a pervasive part of human life but, surprisingly, it is an under-studied topic in philosophy. Thomas Aquinas is one of the history of philosophys most original and thorough theorists of fearits nature and its connection to a flourishing human life. In this crystal clear study, Cartagena elucidates Aquinass philosophy and theology of fear, situating it within the wider context of Aquinass philosophical anthropology, moral psychology, and theology. Specialists will find a real contribution here, and non-specialists will benefit from Cartagenas patient and thorough exposition of Aquinass texts. Thomas M. Ward, associate professor, Baylor University

Thomas Aquinass psychological perceptiveness includes an especially rich account of fear and its role in the moral life, often overlooked precisely because it is spread throughout discussions of passions, habits, sin, gifts, and the person of Chrisl‘