How can Thomism Benefit Catechesis for Adults Today?

Abstract

In today’s increasingly secular and materialistic world, Thomism can continue to make significant contributions to the catechesis for adults. The teachings of St. Thomas, with the central theme “grace perfects nature,” are highly relevant to the integral formation of the faith of the whole human person—a composite of body and soul. All the six dimensions of catechesis as stipulated in the General Directory for Catechesis: knowledge of the faith, liturgical life, moral formation, prayer, belonging to community, and missionary spirit can be cultivated via an in-depth understanding of Thomism throughout the four stages of the baptismal catechumenate. St. Thomas offers valuable insights on how to live a blessed and meaningful life. His profound teachings educate catechumens on the knowledge of faith, enrich their experience, once baptized, of receiving sacraments, and emphasize the importance of virtues to live a moral life. Loving God with their whole hearts and minds is always the ultimate end and happiness to achieve. Catechists should endeavor to employ St. Thomas’ teachings to cultivate catechumens’ faith and enable them to understand how grace perfects nature, and faith perfects reason.

Keywords: Scholasticism, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thomism, grace and nature, faith and reason, catechesis, Christian morality, sacraments.

DOI: 10.7176/JPCR/56-06

Publication date:July 31^st 2023