Above all, biblical exegesis has assumed critical-historical, scientific and varied range of literary methods, that in various way have changed the biblical interpretation of 'Sacra Pagina', which was fundamental for Thomas' theology and even, to a certain extent, identified with 'sacra doctrina'. The most important thing I learned from St. Thomas is the fact that this world has its own order or regularity. It is ruled by its own laws. Gratia supponit naturam, gratia elevat naturam . According to St. Thomas creation is fundamentally good, and its goodness can not be extinct by sin.
Sin is 'younger' than the goodness of creation.
This insight opens our eyes for the autonomy of the creature. Even in reconciliation and in salvation the autonomy of man plays its proper role. The fact that this world is ruled by its own laws applies for ethics as well. Aquinas teaches a dignified human existence secundum rationem . To achieve this, he constantly re-thinks Aristotle in a Christian way.