Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach

by Leonardo Chirico

Overview

The influence of Thomas Aquinas on Western theology is beyond dispute, yet his is a contested legacy. In current evangelical studies, there is an emerging infatuation with Thomas, especially as far as his theological metaphysics is concerned.

On the occasion of the eighth centenary of Thomas Aquinas, Engaging with Thomas Aquinas is a thoughtful introduction aimed at presenting the main contours of the doctor's complex legacy and critically evaluating it, especially in areas where the "Roman Catholic" Thomas eclipses the "classical" theology which is attracting renewed attention in evangelical circles.

Engaging with Thomas Aquinas contributes a thoughtful analysis from an evangelical viewpoint, offering answers to complex questions such as:

- Is the thought of Thomas and Thomism(s) the same?
- What strengths and dangers does the legacy of Thomas Aquinas present to evangelical thought?
- How can Rome's chief doctor be, at the same time, a reference point for evangelical theology?

In this book, De Chirico offers an evangelical a framework to think through this contested thinker's legacy, as well as an invitation to the inquiring reader to consider an alternative.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781910674741
Publisher:	IVP
Publication date:	06/18/2024
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Leonardo De Chirico is a Reformed Baptist Pastor in Rome, and Director of the Reformanda Initiative. He teaches historical theology at Istituto di Formazione Evangelica e Documentazione in Padov, Italy, and holds a PhD in historical theology, published as 'Evangelical Theological Perspectives on post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism. His other books include 'Same Words, Different Worlds' (Apollos), and the Christian Focus pocket guides to the Papacy and Mary.

Table of Contents

Foreword x
Acknowledgments xii
Introduction 1
1 The life and work of Thomas Aquinas 12
2 Sources and synthesis of Thomas Aquinas's thought 32
3 Roman Catholic appropriations: from veneration to
magisterial affirmation 68
4 Protestant readings of Thomas: circling around evangelical
eclecticism 94
5 Legacy and critical issues: the contours and the trajectories
of Thomas's architectural thought 125
6 Thomas Aquinas for evangelicals today 160
Bibliography 174
Index of names 194
Index of topics 198

Editorial Reviews

'This book is simply intriguing. It is evidently written from the evangelical perspective, but it hits an essential point for any believer. A question that could serve as the perfect introduction to the reading is: would Thomas Aquinas be a Thomist today? Leonardo De Chirico approaches the great Medieval theologian with respect and competence, helping the reader of any denomination to think. Keeping away from both concordism and dialecticism, the author offers valuable insights from both historical and systematic perspectives, helping us to understand why Aquinas, while predating the Reformation, is so important to the Catholic tradition.'

Giulio Maspero

'There is a growing number of evangelicals who advocate for a retrieval of the theological insights of Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), the philosopher par excellence of the Roman Catholic Church. This has led to the emergence of even a Reformed Thomist movement. Leonardo De Chirico balances the evangelical romance with Aquinas, appreciating the aspects that are in line with the Christian faith but rejecting those which have generated serious departures from the biblical faith in areas of Catholic soteriology, ecclesiology, sacramentology and devotions.'

Jose de Segovia Barron

'This book is a milestone for approaching Thomas Aquinas theologically for evangelicals and others. Compared to the approaches I know, it stands out in ambition and penetration, breadth and depth. Although not written with the specialists in mind, the book is aware of the prevailing debates and the issues at stake. The final five points represent extremely healthy and fruitful guard rails. I
hope this excellent contribution from, and to, evangelical theology will be studied, appreciated and assimilated.'

Pietro Bolognesi

'Engaging with Thomas Aquinas confirms Leonardo De Chirico as this generation's leading evangelical authority and guide on Roman Catholicism. His careful and calm evaluation of Thomas and Thomism goes deep in terms of systemic analysis rather than a super ficial and simplistic skimming off the top. Moreover, his plea for an eclectic approach to Aquinas displays a truly evangelical method, at once theologically sound and pastorally wise. Highly recommended.'

Dan Strange

'Evangelicals have had an "unresolved" relationship with Thomas Aquinas, vacillating between outright rejection and (recently) a protestant Thomist renaissance. In this insightful, balanced book, Leonardo De Chirico offers an eclectic approach, providing an evaluation not only of Thomas but also of his reception in both Roman Catholic and Protestant thought. Within, he rightly calls Protestant theology to avoid a simplistic approach and engage Aquinas as a necessary theological interlocutor while being guarded against the "full outcome" of his system.'

Cory Brock

'Thomas Aquinas is one of the greatest theologians of all time, whose impact on the Roman Catholic Church has been enormous and pervasive. Protestants have been more critical and eclectic in their attitudes to him, and this book tells us why. Leonardo De Chirico analyses the diversity of approaches to Aquinas, and argues that evangelicals must be alert to what he has to offer them but also careful to understand how much of what he says is incompatible with a theology rooted in Scripture alone. Students of both theology and philosophy will greatly benefit from this even-handed and clear assessment of a system of thought whose compromises with Aristotelianism challenge Protestant minds seeking to be subject only to the revealed Word of God.'

Gerald Bray

'Why is a thirteenth-century Roman Catholic theologian having a twenty-first century moment among evangelicals? Engaging with Thomas Aquinas answers this and much more. Leonardo De Chirico introduces the thought of Thomas himself and surveys how Roman Catholics and Protestants have assessed and appropriated his legacy through the centuries. Most importantly, readers will find here wise, charitable, yet cautionary advice for evangeli cals tempted to become Thomists.'

Kevin J. Vanhoozer