A song is the exultation of the mind dwelling on eternal things, bursting forth in the voice.
Thomas Aquinas
Born: circa 1225 Died: March 7, 1274
Saint Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225 – 7 March 1274) was an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, Catholic priest, and Doctor of the Church. An immensely influential philosopher, theologian, and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism, he is also known within the latter as the Doctor Angelicus, the Doctor Communis, and the Doctor Universalis. The name Aquinas identifies his ancestral origins in the county of Aquino in present-day Lazio, Italy. Among other things, he was a prominent proponent of natural theology and the father of a school of thought (encompassing both theology and philosophy) known as Thomism. He argued that God is the source of both the light of natural reason and the light of faith. His influence on Western thought is considerable, and much of modern philosophy is derived from his ideas, particularly in the areas of ethics, natural law, metaphysics, and political theory.
Biographical information from: Wikiquote
Alternative Names for Thomas Aquinas
Formal name - Full ceremonial or official name including titles and honorifics:
- Saint Thomas Aquinas (English (en))
Primary canonical name - The main standardized name:
- Doctor Angelicus (Latin (la))
- Doctor Communis (Latin (la))
- Doctor Universalis (Latin (la))
In the old law, God was praised both with musical instruments, and human voices. But the church does not use musical instruments to praise God, lest she should seem to judaize.
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An Angel can illuminate the thought and mind of man by strengthening the power of vision and by bringing within his reach some truth which the Angel himself contemplates.
Thus the sun which possesses light perfectly, can shine by itself; whereas the moon which has the nature of light imperfectly, sheds only a borrowed light.
"Gregory says (Moral. xxxii, 7): "He is in glory, Who whilst He rejoices in Himself, needs not further praise.
That which is asserted universally, by everyone, cannot possibly be totally false. For a false opinion is a kind of infirmity of the understanding, just as a false judgment concerning a proper sensible happens as the result of a weakness of the sense power involved. But defects, being outside the intention of nature, are accidental. And nothing accidental can be always and in all things; the judgment about savors given by every tasting cannot be false. Thus, the judgment uttered by everyone concerning truth cannot be erroneous.
Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.
This is part of the infinite goodness of God, that He should allow evil to exist, and out of it produce good.
It has become the fashion to talk about Mysticism, even to pose as Mystics, and — need it be said? — those who talk the most on such subjects are those who know the least.
Fear is such a powerful emotion for humans that when we allow it to take us over, it drives compassion right out of our hearts.
Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever.
Rarely affirm, seldom deny, always distinguish.
Faith presupposes natural knowledge, even as grace presupposes nature, and perfection supposes something that can be perfected.
To signify equality, God did not form the woman from the foot or the head of the man, but from his rib.