"Pre-requisites" for Summa Theologica

[Larry1700]

What resources would be helpful prior to reading the Summa Theologica?

I’m considering Sir David Ross’ “Aristotle,” and have been subscribed to “Aquinas 101” from the Thomistic Institute.

 

[Wesrock]

I recommend reading more contemporary Thomist literature, chiming in on discussions (within reason) to help hone your skills and develop and ability to articulate this stuff, and making reference to the Summa for help. Reading it straight through unguided may be difficult.

I should ask what you’re reading it for, though. I’ve always had an interest in Thomist natural philosophy and metaphysics, but the Summa also discusses topics of revelation, salvation, the sacraments, etc…

 

[Larry1700]

It’s simply that I’ve wanted to read it for years. I’m a convert, and did a lot of studying (apologetics, books by saints, catechism, papal encyclicals), and am amazed at the rich storehouse of treasures in Catholic theology. Since Aquinas’ Summa is an oft-mentioned “standard,” I want to read it in its entirety.

 

[BartholomewB]

Aquinas, by F. C. Copleston, a twentieth-century Jesuit professor of philosophy. First published in 1956 and still in print after all these years.

http://www.amazon.com/Aquinas-Intro...inas,p_30:penguin&s=books&sr=1-1&unfiltered=1

 

[commenter]

“A Summa of the Summa” by Peter Kreeft.

 

[Larry1700]

I read that one a few years ago. I’m pretty sure that’s where I heard about Sir David Ross’ book. I also read " Aristotle for Everybody: Difficult Thought Made Easy," by Mortimer Adler, shortly thereafter.