The Summa Teologica By Thomas Essay - 691 Words

The Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinasnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Born in Italy, Thomas Aquinas was one of the most educated men of his time. Aquinas, whose family were noble, was educated as a monk and later continued his education at the University of Naples followed by the University of Paris where he studied the ancient Greek thought of Aristotle. Educated in both philosophy and theology,Aquinas is thought to be one of the most important philosophers of Catholicism. One ofAquinass most influential writings is the Summa Theologica. In this document, Aquinas clarifies four questions concerning the Church: Whether it can be demonstrated t Godexist? Whether it is always sinfuhatl to wage war? Whether it is lawful for Clerics†¦show more content†¦He first states that all wars are sinful, but if it is justified it is not a sin; however, I feel that just because one has authority over others, this shouldnt mean that he is excused from sin because of his stature; thus his reply is bios. The second necessity is that a just cause is required in order to wage war. According to his statement in objection two Further, whatever is contrary to a divine precept is a sin. But war is contrary to a divine precept; therefor, war is always sinful.;(172) By this statement he claims that war is sinful , but if its for the common good then it is just. Aquinas states it is justified for a man to wage war if the war is for the common good or for the good of those who he is fighting for. But if the one whom he is fighting for is not just in his actions of waging the war, then according to Aquinas, he is still just and lawful, this is a contradiction because he has stated that if a war is not justified, then it is sinful. In the third necessity Aquinas states The belligerents should have a rightful intention, so that they intend the advancement of good, or the avoidance of evil.; (173) This is a contradiction in that war is justified if it is for the advancement of good; however, he states Manly exercise in warlike feats of arms are not all forbidden, but those which are inordinate and perilous, and end in slaying