Part One: The History (What do we know?)This brief historical introduction to Aquinas assesses his impact on the world as it was at the time and outlines the key ideas and values connected with him. It explores the social, political and religious factors that formed the context of his life and writings, and considers how those factors affected the way he was initially received.

Part Two: The Legacy (Why does it matter?)This second part surveys the intellectual and cultural 'afterlife' of Aquinas, exploring the ways in which his impact has lasted. Why does he continue to be so influential, and what aspects of his legacy are likely to endure beyond today and into the future?

The book has a brief chronology at the front plus a glossary of key terms and a list of further reading at the back.

Contents:

PrefaceChronology

Part One: The History

1. Who Was Aquinas?2. Some Basic Words and Concepts3. Why Believe in God?4. What is God?5. The Christian God6. Human Beings

Part Two: The Legacy

7. From the Time of Aquinas to the Twenty-First Century8. Thinking About Aquinas Today

Glossary of Key TermsNotes Further ReadingIndex