“Providence, Distributive Justice, and
Divine Government in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas: Some
Implications for Ecclesial Practice” New Blackfriars
(forthcoming)
Michael Dempsey, Division of
Humanities, College of Professional Studies
Abstract: Thomas Aquinas
wrote his Summa Theologiae to provide Dominican friars with solid
theological instruction in moral theology and pastoral care on the
firm foundation of scripture. Despite an increasing awareness
among scholars of the importance of Thomas’ scriptural commentaries
to his thought, few have attempted to interpret his theology and
philosophy in light of his scriptural commentaries and the
mendicant context of the 13th century. This paper offers a
reading of Thomas’ theology of providence and divine government
both as a mendicant Dominican friar and Master of the Sacred Page
in order to understand some of the implications of the doctrine of
providence for distributive justice in ecclesial practice
today.