No theologian in the history of the Christian west has been more influential in shaping theological thought than Thomas Aquinas. A prolific writer whose works include the Summa Theologica, his thought also helped Christians probe the wisdom of the Greek philosophers, especially Aristotle, as a path to new insights about the Gospels.
Thomas' use of Aristotle as a lens to understand revelation more deeply was no small matter at his time. While the Greek philosophers were admired, they were also suspect. Anything that might distract believers from God's word was regarded warily, but Thomas pushed on despite the opposition of some.
There is a wonderful lesson in Thomas' life for all of us. As the 21st century unfolds we need to find new and probing ways of helping the Gospel live in this age, and while the wisdom of the past will always be an aid in this regard, it must be supplemented by tools contemporary believers recognize and use. How the Internet and other social media will open up paths to a new Evangelization is still to be seen, but surely needed.
Today, be wise. Say nothing. Just listen.
What thinker or social media has helped you enter the Gospel message more deeply?
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