St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Francis of Assisi: With Introductions by Ralph…

Being lazy by temperament and not wanting to read the original, I have been seeking an account of the life and beliefs of Thomas Aquinas. I had read glowing reviews of this book but was quickly disenchanted. That Thomas Aquinas stands as a giant of Catholic doctrine is beyond dispute. Known for his silent contemplation and obduracy in his doctrine – hence the dumb ox, Thomas Aquinas is credited for declaring reason and faith not incompatible and equally useful in religious beliefs. Unfortunately, I did not get much from this book however much I compelled myself to trudge on. In my opinion, it felt more like a soliloquy – given the arcane imagery used, the unfamiliar feelings depicted, the implicit a prioris, and opaque writing – than an account that I could get something from. On Thomas Aquinas, I am still looking. ( )