For All the Saints: Thomas Aquinas

In Western churches, Thomas of Aquino, or Thomas Aquinas is honored today. He lived from 1224 or 1225 until 1274. A Dominican friar and priest, he is known for his contributions to theology philosophy, scriptural commentary, ethics, and even hymnody. In works like Summa Theologica and Summa contra Gentiles, he synthesized Aristotelian philosophy with Christian philosophy in a way not attempted outside the Muslim world. He was an exponent of natural theology, the way God can be known by reason, although he affirmed that doctrines of the church can only be known via revelation. Although his theology faced controversy and even condemned by a bishop prior to and after his death, his theology soon rose in stature and is now considered the basis of Catholic doctrine. Thomas was canonized and also declared a Doctor of the Church. He is also the saint of Catholic schools.