Summa contra Gentiles
Aquinas investigates God and creatures while distinguishing what reason can establish from doctrines known through revelation. The project is more than a missionary handbook.
Understanding the text
Its four books were written around 1259–1265; their arrangement combines philosophical demonstrations, opposing arguments and exposition of Christian mysteries.
Key points
- 01
Two approaches
Some truths about God are approached by demonstration, while others exceed reason’s natural capacity.
- 02
Creation
Creatures’ dependence on a first cause does not make their own causes illusory or irrelevant.
- 03
Providence
The world’s order raises questions about freedom, evil and divine governance.
How to read it
Compare the structure of all four books before assuming a single purpose or audience for the work.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗