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Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas - Exam
Contributed by: Blake
  • 1. Summa Theologica, written by the medieval philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century, is one of the most significant works in Western philosophy and Catholic theology. This comprehensive text seeks to systematically outline the Christian faith and cover a vast array of theological topics, including the nature of God, the morality of human actions, the workings of divine grace, and the doctrine of the sacraments. Divided into three main parts, the work systematically addresses questions and objections, showcasing Aquinas's method of scholasticism that emphasizes reasoned argumentation and synthesis of classical philosophy, particularly the works of Aristotle, with Christian doctrine. The first part discusses God’s existence and nature, the second part explains human behavior and ethics, and the third part explores Christ’s role in salvation and the significance of the sacraments. With its rigorous analytical style, Summa Theologica not only aimed to educate and inform but also to dispel misunderstandings and heresies of the time, making it a vital reference for anyone studying Catholic theology and philosophy.

    Who wrote the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) Martin Luther
B) John Calvin
C) Augustine of Hippo
D) Thomas Aquinas
  • 2. What is the main purpose of the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) To provide a comprehensive guide to Christian theology
B) To critique philosophical systems
C) To argue against heresy
D) To explain the history of the church
  • 3. In which year was the 'Summa Theologica' completed?
A) 1300
B) 1215
C) 1274
D) 1250
  • 4. What significance does Aquinas give to reason?
A) It is secondary to tradition
B) It is essential for understanding faith
C) It opposes faith
D) It is unnecessary for theology
  • 5. Which work precedes the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) Confessions
B) The Prince
C) Summa Contra Gentiles
D) City of God
  • 6. What is the ultimate end of human life according to Aquinas?
A) Union with God
B) Achieving happiness on earth
C) Knowledge of self
D) Serving the state
  • 7. What does the 'First Part' of the 'Summa Theologica' primarily address?
A) Christ and redemption
B) God and creation
C) Human actions
D) The sacraments
  • 8. What style is primarily used in the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) Lyric style.
B) Scholastic style.
C) Narrative style.
D) Expository style.
  • 9. What virtue is a focus of the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) Hedonism.
B) Charity.
C) Apathy.
D) Materialism.
  • 10. What does Aquinas believe about truth?
A) Truth is the conformity of the intellect to reality
B) Truth can change with society
C) Truth is relative to individuals
D) Truth is subjective opinion
  • 11. In Aquinas's view, how is happiness achieved?
A) By fulfilling desires
B) Through wealth and power
C) By avoiding pain
D) Through virtue and union with God
  • 12. What impact did the 'Summa Theologica' have on later thought?
A) It was seen as outdated quickly
B) It significantly influenced Christian theology and philosophy
C) It caused a decline in philosophical inquiry
D) It was largely ignored by scholars
  • 13. What is Aquinas's stance on the nature of God?
A) God is subjective and relative
B) God is the first cause and necessary being
C) God is indifferent to human affairs
D) God is an abstract concept
  • 14. What term refers to the ultimate end of human existence, according to Aquinas?
A) Wealth.
B) Pleasure.
C) Knowledge.
D) Beatitude.
  • 15. Which theological concept does Aquinas use to describe moral law?
A) Natural law
B) Divine command theory
C) Nominalism
D) Utilitarianism
  • 16. What does the 'Third Part' focus on?
A) The problem of evil
B) Philosophical ethics
C) Natural law
D) Christ and the sacraments
  • 17. How many parts is the 'Summa Theologica' traditionally divided into?
A) Five parts.
B) Three parts.
C) Two parts.
D) Four parts.
  • 18. What does Aquinas argue about the nature of evil?
A) Evil is a necessary force
B) Evil is a substance
C) Evil is the absence of good
D) Evil is more powerful than good
  • 19. In which part of the 'Summa' does Aquinas discuss the sacraments?
A) The First Part.
B) The Second Part.
C) The Appendix.
D) The Third Part.
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