A Companion to the Summa by Walter Farrell, O. P. (1942)

BOOK REVIEWS A Companion to the Summa (I: The Architect of the Universe). By WALTER FARRELL, 0. P. New York: Sheed and Ward, 1941. Pp. vii+ 457, with index. $3.50. Those who have been so agreeably instructed in the moral theology of St. Thomas through Father Farrell's splendid exposition of the second part of the Summa Theologica, will not be disappointed in the latest addition to his series of "companions" to the Summa. The Architect of the Universe corresponds to the Prima Pars of the Summa, and it reveals to us the great edifice of Thomistic speculative and dogmatic doctrine with the same clarity and charm which were evident in the portrayal of the moral principles (The Road to Happiness and The Fullness of Life). As Father Farrell has explained, these companions to the Summa are neither books about the Summa nor are they commentaries on the Summa. They are the Summa itself reduced to a form more understandable to the average modern layman, who would like to know something of the thought of the Angelic Doctor, but who feels the need of a preparatory conditioning before venturing alone into the profound depths of the Summa itself. The Architect of the Universe, therefore, like its two predecessors, " is a beginner's book in a much more literal sense than is the Summa Theologica, explicit as Thomas was in aiming his book at beginners" (p. vii). But the Companion to the Summa should not be read only by beginners. The professional philosopher and the teacher of philosophy can find in Father Farrell's work a chance both to review the thought of St. Thomas in its organic completeness, and to see how profound thoughts can be given a dear and beautiful expression. Father Farrell is especially gifted with the ability to explain an idea by the use of apt metaphors and analogies. In The Architect of the Universe the order of questions discussed corresponds generally with that of the Prima Pars of the Summa. (In a few instances the author rearranges the sequence of questions.) The first chapter is devoted to an explanation of the nature of wisdom, a description of theological wisdom as the sovereign of both speculative and practical sciences, and praise of Thomas Aquinas, in whom were united the wisdoms of the philosopher, the theologian, and the saint. Father Farrell then proceeds to show to the reader this wise man at work in his treatment of the great problems regarding the existence of God, His infinite perfections, the divine knowledge and love, and the nature of divine providence. After a rather short chapter on the Trinity, Father Farrell continues with an explanation of the remaining questions pertaining to God's creative act, the angelic world, the nature of man and the condition of our First Parents, 355 356 BOOK REVIEWS and the government of the universe. Not all questions are given space proportionate to that which they receive in the Summa, but I think Father Farrell has been wise in giving greater attention to those problems which are of greater value and interest to the modern reader. The chapters on the nature of man and on the government of the universe are exceptionally good. The author usually begins the discussion of each new problem with a brief account of the non-Thomistic solutions which have been advanced by various philosophers, and he concludes the chapter with pertinent comments which reveal by comparison the superiority of the Thomistic doctrine. As frequently pointed out by Father Farrell, the two principal evils characteristic of the modern spirit in its attitude toward the great problems of philosophy are a distrust of reason as an instrument of truth, and a certain moral and intellectual cowardice, a " cowardice that would surrender rights, hopes, ideals, success, independence and control in order to escape responsibilities , disappointments, failure, labor and self-control" (p. 449). In reading this excellent presentation of the thought of St. Thomas, one cannot but reflect on what the modern world has lost in exchange for its material gains. With the supplanting of theology and metaphysics by the more " practical " sciences directed to the domination and control of physical nature, we have...