Aquinas 101: A Basic Introduction to the Thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas

A clear and accessible introduction to the thought of Thomas Aquinas―one of the greatest minds in Catholic theology and Christian philosophy.

Aquinas 101: A Basic Introduction to the Thought of St. Thomas Aquinas is a concise and engaging beginner’s guide to the essential ideas of St. Thomas Aquinas, making his profound theological and philosophical insights understandable for modern readers.

In this approachable introduction to Catholic theology and Thomistic philosophy, Fr. Francis Selman distills Aquinas’s most important teachings into clear, readable explanations―helping you grasp the foundations of his thought without needing a background in philosophy.

Drawing on contemporary scholarship, Selman situates Aquinas within the intellectual world he inherited and transformed, showing how his work continues to shape Christian theology, philosophy, and spiritual life today.

Whether you’re a student, a seeker, or simply curious about St. Thomas Aquinas and the Summa Theologica, this book offers a practical and rewarding entry point.

The book is organized into five parts:

• Chapters 1–5 explore God, creation, good and evil, the Trinity, and angels
• Chapters 6–8 examine human nature, the soul, emotions, and the virtues
• Chapters 9–12 consider divine law, the economy of salvation, the Eucharist, and the Resurrection
• Chapter 13 focuses on charity and friendship
• A glossary clarifies key philosophical terms used by Aquinas

Organized in a clear and logical structure, this introduction to Aquinas’s theology and philosophy makes complex ideas approachable while preserving their depth.

At its heart, Aquinas 101 points readers toward the ultimate goal of Aquinas’s vision: to rise beyond the limits of reason into the loving contemplation of God. As Selman highlights, Aquinas understood the Christian life as a journey back to its source―guided by Christ, “the Way and the Truth”―culminating in the joy of seeing and loving God in eternity.

Fr. Francis Selman teaches philosophy and dogmatic theology at St Mary’s College Oscott, the Roman Catholic seminary of the archdiocese of Birmingham in England. He has worked in parishes in Cambridge and Norwich and was assistant chaplain at Cambridge University Catholic Chaplaincy from 1980 to 1983.

He is the author of several books including Aquinas 101: A Basic Introduction to the Thought of St. Thomas Aquinas and The Sacraments and the Mystery of Christ.

Selman resides at Oscott College in Birmingham, England.