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Summa Contra Gentiles, Second Book (On Creation)

Summa Contra Gentiles, Second Book (On Creation)

By: Saint Thomas Aquinas
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 Composed by Thomas Aquinas between 1259 and 1265, the Summa Contra Gentiles unfolds across four profound books that explore the nature of God, Creation, Providence, and the specific tenets of Christianity. Distinct from his later work, the Summa Theologiae, which is tailored for a Christian audience, the Contra Gentiles is aimed at engaging non-Christian thinkers. This work serves as a rational defense of the Catholic Christian faith, employing philosophical arguments to uphold Christian beliefs while referencing Scripture to demonstrate their harmony with reason. The first three books function as a rational apology for Christian thought, while the fourth delves into theological matters drawn from divine revelation. Aquinas not only seeks to challenge pagan, Jewish, Muslim, and heretical Christian positions that conflict with Catholic doctrine but also thoughtfully integrates valuable insights from these perspectives. Thus, the Contra Gentiles embodies a process of rational refinement, inviting open minds to embrace the truths revealed in Christianity. (Summary by M.S.C. Lambert, LC)Copyright Family and Culture Christianity Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • 038 - Xxxviii Arguments By Which Some Endeavour To Prove That The World Is Not Eternal

    038 - Xxxviii Arguments By Which Some Endeavour To Prove That The World Is Not Eternal
    Feb 19 2026
    Composed by Thomas Aquinas between 1259 and 1265, the Summa Contra Gentiles unfolds across four profound books that explore the nature of God, Creation, Providence, and the specific tenets of Christianity. Distinct from his later work, the Summa Theologiae, which is tailored for a Christian audience, the Contra Gentiles is aimed at engaging non-Christian thinkers. This work serves as a rational defense of the Catholic Christian faith, employing philosophical arguments to uphold Christian beliefs while referencing Scripture to demonstrate their harmony with reason. The first three books function as a rational apology for Christian thought, while the fourth delves into theological matters drawn from divine revelation. Aquinas not only seeks to challenge pagan, Jewish, Muslim, and heretical Christian positions that conflict with Catholic doctrine but also thoughtfully integrates valuable insights from these perspectives. Thus, the Contra Gentiles embodies a process of rational refinement, inviting open minds to embrace the truths revealed in Christianity. (Summary by M.S.C. Lambert, LC)
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    8 mins
  • 037 - Xxxvii Solution Of The Arguments Taken From The Making Of Things

    037 - Xxxvii Solution Of The Arguments Taken From The Making Of Things
    Feb 18 2026
    Composed by Thomas Aquinas between 1259 and 1265, the Summa Contra Gentiles unfolds across four profound books that explore the nature of God, Creation, Providence, and the specific tenets of Christianity. Distinct from his later work, the Summa Theologiae, which is tailored for a Christian audience, the Contra Gentiles is aimed at engaging non-Christian thinkers. This work serves as a rational defense of the Catholic Christian faith, employing philosophical arguments to uphold Christian beliefs while referencing Scripture to demonstrate their harmony with reason. The first three books function as a rational apology for Christian thought, while the fourth delves into theological matters drawn from divine revelation. Aquinas not only seeks to challenge pagan, Jewish, Muslim, and heretical Christian positions that conflict with Catholic doctrine but also thoughtfully integrates valuable insights from these perspectives. Thus, the Contra Gentiles embodies a process of rational refinement, inviting open minds to embrace the truths revealed in Christianity. (Summary by M.S.C. Lambert, LC)
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    7 mins
  • 036 - Xxxvi Solution Of The Arguments Produced On The Part Of The Things Made

    036 - Xxxvi Solution Of The Arguments Produced On The Part Of The Things Made
    Feb 17 2026
    Composed by Thomas Aquinas between 1259 and 1265, the Summa Contra Gentiles unfolds across four profound books that explore the nature of God, Creation, Providence, and the specific tenets of Christianity. Distinct from his later work, the Summa Theologiae, which is tailored for a Christian audience, the Contra Gentiles is aimed at engaging non-Christian thinkers. This work serves as a rational defense of the Catholic Christian faith, employing philosophical arguments to uphold Christian beliefs while referencing Scripture to demonstrate their harmony with reason. The first three books function as a rational apology for Christian thought, while the fourth delves into theological matters drawn from divine revelation. Aquinas not only seeks to challenge pagan, Jewish, Muslim, and heretical Christian positions that conflict with Catholic doctrine but also thoughtfully integrates valuable insights from these perspectives. Thus, the Contra Gentiles embodies a process of rational refinement, inviting open minds to embrace the truths revealed in Christianity. (Summary by M.S.C. Lambert, LC)
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
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