St. Thomas Aquinas Influence

With influence from Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas is said to be one of the most influential thinkers of medieval scholasticism. A man who was once a simple theologian, became the founder of many teachings within the Catholic church. Starting as the youngest son of a family within lower nobility, St. Thomas Aquinas will end his life as an ordained teacher of theology and will have developed ideas of God. Most of his philosophical ideas and teachings come from his search for the existence and true form of God. The teachings which he gave to the world have been an influence for the study of theology and the teachings of the Catholic church. St. Thomas Aquinas has had a significant impact on the world as a philosopher and theologian that will be …show more content…
Thomas Aquinas has influenced the teachings of the Catholic church forever. His book based on Aristotle's philosophy, Summa Theologica, first began to influence the Dominicans, followed by the Jesuits, and soon the entire Catholic church followed his theology/philosophy. During Vatican II, it was said that his works were to no longer be used in the Catholic church. This did not last however, when John Paul II brought back his teachings to the church. For the last 500 years, the Catholic church has followed his teachings on God. Some of his teachings and ideas that are used by the church include the way to find happiness through the essence of God, as well as the way to live life doing what is good (charity, loving, peace, etc). These teachings are part of his moral theology. St. Thomas Aquinas’ theologies that are used by the church also consist of his cardinal virtues, his theological virtues, and his four kinds of laws. As he said, “If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way”. St. Thomas Aquinas has influenced the world by showing the people how they are to live their lives to please God, and to find unending