Thomas Aquinas’ Theological Method
Thomas Aquinas, OP (/əˈkwaɪnəs/; Italian: Tommaso d'Aquino, lit. 'Thomas of Aquino'; 1225 – 7 March 1274) was an Italian[10][11] Dominican friar and priest, who was an immensely influential philosopher, theologian, and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism; he is known within the scholastic tradition as the Doctor Angelicus, the Doctor Communis, and the Doctor Universalis.[a] The name Aquinas identifies his ancestral origins in the county of Aquino in present-day Lazio, Italy. Among other things, he was a prominent proponent of natural theology and the father of a school of thought (encompassing both theology and philosophy) known as Thomism. He argued that God is the source of both the light of natural reason and the light of faith.[12] He has been described as "the most influential thinker of the medieval period"[13] and "the greatest of the medieval philosopher-theologians.”[14] His influence on Western thought is considerable, and much of modern philosophy is derived from his ideas, particularly in the areas of ethics, natural law, metaphysics, and political theory.
Lecturer/ Teacher
Rev. Dr. K. Scott Oliphint (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is professor of apologetics and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary.
Dr. Oliphint’s academic interests include Cornelius Van Til’s apologetics, the relationship between Christian apologetics and philosophy, and the doctrine of God. For those who are new to Dr. Oliphint’s writing and teaching on his research interests, he recommends several resources as places to start. On Van Tillian apologetics, he would recommend starting with his books Covenantal Apologetics or The Battle Belongs to the Lord, or the introductory video “Our Theology in Our Apologetics.” On Christian apologetics and philosophy, consider starting with Reasons for Faith: Philosophy in the Service of Theology, or his online post “Aquinas: A Shaky Foundation.”
EDUCATION
- PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary, 1994
- ThM, Westminster Theological Seminary, 1984
- MAR, Westminster Theological Seminary, 1983
- BS, West Texas State University, 1978
CHURCH MINISTRY
Dr. Oliphint is an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC).
TEACHING AND PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
- Professor, Westminster Theological Seminary, 1991–present
- Pastoral ministry, Texas, 1984–1991
Course Description
Six Video Lectures
To Access the Course, please click here:
https://faculty.wts.edu/lectures/thomas-aquinass-theological-method-part-1/
