Reading Job with St. Thomas Aquinas

Reading Job with St. Thomas Aquinas is a scholarly contribution to Thomistic studies, specifically to the study of Aquinass biblical exegesis in relation to his philosophy and theology. Each of the thirteen chapters has a different focus, within the shared concentration of the book on Aquinass Literal Exposition on Job. The essays are arranged in three Parts: Job and Sacra Doctrina; Providence and Suffering; and Job and the Moral Life. Boyles opening essay argues that Aquinass commentary seeks to show what is required in the Magister (namely, Job and God) for the effective communication of wisdom. Mansinis essay argues that by speaking, God reveals the virtue of Job and its value in Gods providence; without the personal revelation or speech of God, Job could not have known the value of his suffering. Vijgens essay explores the commentarys use of Aristotle for reflecting upon divine providence, sorrow and anger, resurrection, and the new heavens and new earth. Leverings essay explores the commentarys citations of the Gospel of John and argues that these pertain especially to divine speech and to light/darkness. Boninos essay explains why divine incomprehensibility does not mean that Job is wrong to seek to understand Gods ways. Te Veldes essay explores how Aquinass commentary draws upon the reasoning of his Summa contra gentiles with regard to the good order of the universe. Goriss essay reflects upon how, according to Aquinass commentary, sin is and is not related to suffering. Knasass essay argues that Aquinas does not hold that the resurrection of the body is a necessary philosophical corollary of the human desire for happiness. Wawrykows essay explores merit, in relation to the connection between sin and punishment/affliction as well as to the connection between good actions and flourishing. Spezzanos essay shows that Jobs hope and filial fear transform his suffering, making him an exemplar of the consolation they provide to the just. Mulladys essay reflects upon the moral problems and opportunities posed by the passions, along with the ordering of the virtues to the reward of human happiness. Floods essay shows how Aquinas defends Jobs possession of the qualities needed for true friendship (including friendship with God), such as patience, delight in the presence of the friend, and compassion. Lastly, Kromholtzs essay argues that although Aquinass Literal Exposition on Job never extensively engages eschatology, Aquinas depends throughout upon the reasonableness of hoping for the resurrection of the body and the final judgment.