Timeline of Humanity | Thomas Aquinas

The father of Thomism

Thomas Aquinas is an Italian Dominican friar, Catholic priest and Doctor of the Church. He was also a jurist, theologian and philosopher who was very influential in the scholasticist tradition, in which he was also known as the Doctor Angelicus and Doctor Communist.

He is the most prominent supporting classical theology and is known as the father of Thomism, by arguing that the power of thought (reason) is found in God. Its influence on Western thought was significant, and many modern philosophies developed its ideas, particularly in the fields of ethics, natural law, metaphysics and political theory. His best known works are Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles. The interpretations he produced around the Scriptures and Aristotle's work also form an important part of his collection. In addition, Thomas is especially known for his eucharistic hymns, which are made part of the liturgy of the Church.

The Catholic Church honors Thomas Aquinas as a saint, views him as an exemplary teacher for those studying to become priests, and even as the highest expression of both natural thinking and speculative theology. In modern times, under papal direction, the study of his works has long been used as one of the main courses of study required of those to be ordained priests or deacons. Thomas Aquinas is seen as one of the Catholic Church's greatest philosophers and theologians in the history of humanity.

Early life (1225)

Thomas Aquinas while reading

Thomas was born in Roccasecca, near Aquino, Italy, in 1225. His father was Prince Landulf of Aquino. His parents are devout Catholic Christians. That is why his son, Thomas, at the age of five was turned over to the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino to be raised to become a monk. After ten years Thomas was at Monte Cassino, he was transferred to Naples to complete his language education. While there, he became interested in the apostolic work of the church, and he attempted to convert to the Dominicans, an order that was very influential in that century. His parents did not approve of his wish, so he had to stay in Roccasecca for a year more. However, his determination was made so that his parents gave up on his son's wishes. In 1245, Thomas officially became a member of the Dominican Order.

Studying at the University of Paris (1245)

The setting of an altar at Ascoli Piceno, Italy, portraying St. Thomas Aquinas

As a member of the Dominicans, Thomas was sent to study at the University of Paris, a very prominent university at that time. He studied there for three years (1245 - 1248). It was here that he became acquainted with Albertus Magnus, who introduced Aristotle's philosophy to him. He accompanied Albertus Magnus to lecture at the Studium Generale in Cologne, France, in 1248 - 1252.

Lecturing and opening a school (1252)

St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor Communis

In 1252, he returned to Paris and began lecturing Biblical (1252-1254) and Sentences, by Petrus Abelardus (1254-1256) at the St. Jacques, Paris. Thomas's skills were so well known that he was assigned to give lectures in philosophy and theology in several cities in Italy, such as Anagni, Orvieto, Rome, and Viterbo, for ten years. In 1269, Thomas was recalled to Paris. He stayed there only three years because in 1272 he was assigned to open a Dominican school in Naples.

Death (1274)

The statue of St. Thomas Aquinas in 17th century

While the last term of a Thomas Aquinas is in 1274. At that time, Thomas will attend Pope Gregory X's invitation to an event. Unfortunately, on the way to the Council, Thomas, who was riding a soybean, hit his head on a fallen tree trunk causing serious illness. For several days being treated and taken to Monte Cassino, Thomas then died on March 7, 1274. Pope John XXII appointed Thomas as a saint in 1323.