Definition

Proper noun 1. Saint Thomas Aquinas: An Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, theologian, and Doctor of the Church in the Roman Catholic tradition. He is renowned for his systematic work to synthesize Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, particularly in his masterwork, the Summa Theologica. He is a key figure in the scholastic tradition and is often referred to as the "Angelic Doctor." 2. Saint Thomas the Apostle: One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is traditionally known as "Doubting Thomas" for his initial skepticism about Jesus's resurrection, stating he would not believe unless he saw and touched the wounds of the crucified Christ.

Usage Examples

• Saint Thomas Aquinas:
  • The philosophical arguments of Saint Thomas continue to influence Catholic thought.
  • Many universities offer courses on the theology of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
• Saint Thomas the Apostle:
  • The story of Saint Thomas teaches a lesson about faith and doubt.
  • Saint Thomas is said to have carried Christianity to India.

Advanced Usage

• Thomism: The philosophical and theological school that arose as a legacy of the work of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
  • Thomism has been a dominant intellectual force in Catholic education for centuries.
• Doubting Thomas: An idiom for a person who refuses to believe something without direct physical evidence or personal proof.
  • Don't be such a Doubting Thomas; the data from the experiment is very clear.

Variants and Related Words

• Thomas Aquinas (n): The full name of the theologian.
• Aquinas (n): A common shortened reference to Saint Thomas Aquinas.
• Thomist (n/adj): A follower or relating to the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas.
• Thomas the Apostle (n): The full name of the biblical figure.
• Didymus (n): The Greek name for Thomas, meaning "twin," used in the Gospel of John.

Synonyms

• For Saint Thomas Aquinas: The Angelic Doctor, Doctor Angelicus.
• For Saint Thomas the Apostle: Doubting Thomas.

Related Phrases

• "My Lord and my God!": The exclamation of Saint Thomas the Apostle upon seeing the resurrected Jesus (John 20:28). It is often cited in Christian theology as a declaration of Christ's divinity.

Noun

1. (Roman Catholic Church) Italian theologian and Doctor of the Church who is remembered for his attempt to reconcile faith and reason in a comprehensive theology; presented philosophical proofs of the existence of God (1225-1274)
2. the Apostle who would not believe the resurrection of Jesus until he saw Jesus with his own eyes