Of God and His Creatures by St. Thomas Aquinas

Of God and His Creatures is the English translations of Summa contra Gentiles volumes I-IV written by St. Thomas Aquinas between 1258 and 1264. From the work:

“THE Divine Wisdom, that knows all things most fully, has deigned to reveal these her secrets to men, and in proof of them has displayed works beyond the competence of all natural powers, in the wonderful cure of diseases, in the raising of the dead, and what is more wonderful still, in such inspiration of human minds as that simple and ignorant persons, filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost, have gained in an instant the height of wisdom and eloquence.”

Download the pdf ebook Of God and His Creatures by St. Thomas Aquinas here (515 pages):

 Of God and His Creatures by St Thomas Aquinas

 

Summary of “Of God and His Creatures” by St. Thomas Aquinas

Introduction: Discover the essence of St. Thomas Aquinas’ profound philosophical work, “Of God and His Creatures,” as we delve into the theological and philosophical concepts explored within the book.

Establishing the Existence of God

St. Thomas Aquinas employs logical arguments to establish the existence of God, combining reason and faith to support his claims. He presents the concept of a Prime Mover or First Cause, emphasizing the dependence of all things in the universe on this first cause, which he identifies as God.

Exploring the Nature of God

Aquinas delves into the nature of God, striving to understand His essence and attributes. He discusses God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, highlighting the perfection and transcendence of the divine being.

The Relationship Between God and the Created World

The book investigates the intricate relationship between God and the created world. Aquinas emphasizes that God is the ultimate creator and sustainer of all existence, asserting that the universe is contingent upon His divine will and providence.

Reason and Faith

St. Thomas Aquinas beautifully weaves together the realms of reason and faith throughout his exploration. He demonstrates the compatibility of philosophical inquiry and religious belief, showcasing how they complement each other in the pursuit of truth.

The Harmony of Faith and Reason

Aquinas promotes the harmony of faith and reason, highlighting that both are essential for a comprehensive understanding of God and His creatures. He argues that reason can lead us to certain truths about God, while faith provides us with deeper insights that surpass the limits of human intellect.

Conclusion: “Of God and His Creatures” by St. Thomas Aquinas offers a captivating journey into the nature of God and His relationship to the created world. Through logical arguments and the harmonious interplay of reason and faith, Aquinas invites readers to explore profound philosophical concepts and gain a deeper understanding of the divine.