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9781910674741

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"'This book is a milestone for approaching Thomas Aquinas theologically for evangelicals and others. Compared to the approaches I know, it stands out in ambition and penetration, breadth and depth. Although not written with the specialists in mind, the book is aware of the prevailing debates and the issues at stake. The final five points represent extremely healthy and fruitful guard rails. I hope this excellent contribution from, and to, evangelical theology will be studied, appreciated and assimilated.' -- Pietro Bolognesi, Professor of Systematic Theology, Istituto di Formazione Evangelica e Documentazione, Padua 'Thomas Aquinas is one of the greatest theologians of all time, whose impact on the Roman Catholic Church has been enormous and pervasive. Protestants have been more critical and eclectic in their attitudes to him, and this book tells us why. Leonardo De Chirico analyses the diversity of approaches to Aquinas, and argues that evangelicals must be alert to what he has to offer them but also careful to understand how much of what he says is incompatible with a theology rooted in Scripture alone. Students of both theology and philosophy will greatly benefit from this even-handed and clear assessment of a system of thought whose compromises with Aristotelianism challenge Protestant minds seeking to be subject only to the revealed Word of God.' -- Gerald Bray, Research Professor, Beeson Divinity School 'Evangelicals have had an ""unresolved"" relationship with Thomas Aquinas, vacillating between outright rejection and (recently) a protestant Thomist renaissance. In this insightful, balanced book, Leonardo De Chirico offers an eclectic approach, providing an evaluation not only of Thomas but also of his reception in both Roman Catholic and Protestant thought. Within, he rightly calls Protestant theology to avoid a simplistic approach and engage Aquinas as a necessary theological interlocutor while being guarded against the ""full outcome"" of his system.' -- Cory Brock, St Columba's Free Church, Edinburgh Theological Seminary 'There is a growing number of evangelicals who advocate for a retrieval of the theological insights of Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), the philosopher par excellence of the Roman Catholic Church. This has led to the emergence of even a Reformed Thomist movement. Leonardo De Chirico balances the evangelical romance with Aquinas, appreciating the aspects that are in line with the Christian faith but rejecting those which have generated serious departures from the biblical faith in areas of Catholic soteriology, ecclesiology, sacramentology and devotions.' -- Jose de Segovia Barron, former President of the Theological Commission on Spanish Evangelical Alliance 'This book is simply intriguing. It is evidently written from the evangelical perspective, but it hits an essential point for any believer. A question that could serve as the perfect introduction to the reading is: would Thomas Aquinas be a Thomist today? Leonardo De Chirico approaches the great Medieval theologian with respect and competence, helping the reader of any denomination to think. Keeping away from both concordism and dialecticism, the author offers valuable insights from both historical and systematic perspectives, helping us to understand why Aquinas, while predating the Reformation, is so important to the Catholic tradition.' -- Giulio Maspero, Professor of Dogmatic Theology, Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome 'Engaging with Thomas Aquinas confirms Leonardo De Chirico as this generation's leading evangelical authority and guide on Roman Catholicism. His careful and calm evaluation of Thomas and Thomism goes deep in terms of systemic analysis rather than a super ficial and simplistic skimming off the top. Moreover, his plea for an eclectic approach to Aquinas displays a truly evangelical method, at once theologically sound and pastorally wise. Highly recommended.' -- Dan Strange, Director, Crosslands Forum 'Why is a thirteenth-century Roman Catholic theologian having a twenty-first century moment among evangelicals? Engaging with Thomas Aquinas answers this and much more. Leonardo De Chirico introduces the thought of Thomas himself and surveys how Roman Catholics and Protestants have assessed and appropriated his legacy through the centuries. Most importantly, readers will find here wise, charitable, yet cautionary advice for evangeli cals tempted to become Thomists.' -- Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School 'This book guides us round the breathtaking architecture of Thomas Aquinas's cathedral of theology. There is much to admire: the solid pillars on which it is constructed, the soaring buttresses, the magnificent elevation, and the beauty of the stained glass through which light filters. Our guide indicates how magnificent this achievement is. However, there are also some features which leave him uneasy. Has the design of the Scripture blueprint been faithfully followed? Are there not sombre places where the divine architect says we should not venture? Does the construction not have some inherent flaws? Leonardo de Chirico makes us sensitive to the beauty, without forgetting the dangers.' -- Paul Wells, Emeritus Professor, Faculte Jean Calvin, Aix-en-Provence"

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Leonardo De Chirico (Author) Leonardo De Chirico is pastor of the Church Breccia di Roma and lecturer in historical theology at the Istituto di Formazione Evangelica e Documentazione in Padova, Italy. He earned degrees in History (University of Bologna), Theology (ETCW, Bridgend, Wales) and Bioethics (University of Padova). His PhD is from King’s College (London) and was published as' Evangelical Theological Perspectives on Post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism' (Bern-Oxford: Peter Lang 2003). He directs the Reformanda Initiative, cohosts it's podcast, and is author of several books, including A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Papacy, Same Words, Different Worlds. Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel?, and Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach. He blogs on Vatican and Roman Catholic issues from an evangelical perspective at Vatican Files.

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