First things first. "Summa Contra Gentiles: Providence" has been published in two volumes: "Summa Contra Gentiles: Providence, Part 1", and "Summa Contra Gentiles: Providence, Part II", which must be purchased separately. The two volumes absolutely go together - the first volume has the introduction for both volumes, and the second volume has the index for both volumes.

With questions of how to get it out of the way, it remains to be said what "Providence" is about and why it is worth reading.

If you are familiar with Aristotle, the easiest way to describe "Providence" is that it covered much the same ground as Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics". This is true in the same sense that the first book of "Summa Contra Gentiles", "God" covered the same ground as Aristotle's "Physics" and that the second book, "Creation", covered the same ground as Aristotle's "De Anima". That is, it dealt with the same topics, but from a thoroughly Christian perspective.

Of course, if you are not familiar with Aristotle, the above description of "Providence" is not going to be that helpful. In fact, reading that it is about "ethics" can even be misleading. In ordinary modern usage, "ethics" is taken as some set of rules regarding how to treat other people, implicitly dealing with balancing your interests against the interests of others. In traditional philosophy, however, "ethics" is much broader in scope - it covers the entire subject of how a man should live his life. "Providence" concerned ethics in this much broader, traditional sense.

Within the overall framework of "Summa Contra Gentiles", "Providence" was the bridge between the first two volumes ("God" and "Creation"), which were almost entirely philosophical in character, and the last volume ("Salvation"), which was almost entirely theological.

Thomas began "Providence" with a general discussion of the nature of "end", "good", and "evil". His immediate problem was to explain how evil could exist within God's creation, but in spite of the book's title, "Providence" deals with this problem in only general philosophical terms - there is nothing resembling, for example, Augustine's long exposition in his "City of God Against the Pagans" of God's plan as enacted through specific historical events. Thomas's real purpose was not to attempt to explain or justify God's plan in His creation, but to frame the central topic of the book - the problem of the achievement of human happiness.

To this end, Thomas began by considering the things in which people often attempt to find happiness in this life (fame, power, wealth, the pleasures of the body, virtue), and analyzed the inadequacy of those ends, even to the extent that they could be achieved. In contrast, Thomas held up the contemplation of God as an end worthy of human striving, but also held that - through man's own power at least - that it could not be adequately attained. From this, Thomas concluded that it is only through God's grace - that is, as a gift of God - that it could be had and even then not in this life; but only be in a life to come.

Having dealt with the end towards which human beings should strive, and having said that man unaided could not reach it, Thomas in the middle section of "Providence" considered in more detail the respective parts played by God and man in man's life. This discussion largely revolved around the question of human freedom vs. various concepts of fate and predestination. The major concern was a proper delineation between the divine will and human freedom, one that neither assigned so much power to man as to claim for him the ability to do good without God's help, nor so little as to make God responsible for man's sin.

The final section of "Providence" dealt with the question of how this life should be lived. This section drew on the traditions of classical philosophy scarcely at all; it instead drew almost entirely from scripture and Christian theology. Temperance, Courage, Wisdom, and Justice (the pillars of classical ethics) scarcely put in an appearance, but The Law, God's Grace, and Sin were front and center, each receiving an extended discussion.

Because covered the same ground, but drew on it so little, it might be tempting to read Thomas's "Providence" as a rejection of Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics", but this would be an oversimplification. The ethics of Arisotle and classical philosophy were not being rejected per se (Thomas certainly wasn't recommending profilgacy, cowardice, foolishness, and injustice), but instead held as insufficient, both in the end to which they aimed and the means by which they sought to attain that end. Thomas's argument was that while classical ethics were good, Christian ethics were in every way better, indeed that not only better but perfect, in that they aimed at God as the perfect end, and through God had the perfect means for the achievement of that end.

Thomas Aquinas was an extraordinarily systematic thinker and writer. Because of this, one of the best ways to comprehend "Summa Contra Gentiles" is through consideration of its structure. At the highest level, it consists of 4 books, with the third book in two parts, on account of its length.

The titles of the five volumes are as follows:

Summa Contra Gentiles: God

Summa Contra Gentiles: Creation

Summa Contra Gentiles: Providence, Part I

Summa Contra Gentiles: Providence, Part II*

Summa Contra Gentiles: Salvation

Each volume is formally divided into about 100 short chapters. A typical chapter gets its title from some proposition that is to be affirmed, or in some cases refuted. Each paragraph is an argument in support (or denial) of that proposition. The chapters are themselves ordered so that the later chapters build on what the arguments in the earlier chapters have established, and it is this arrangement of chapters that constitutes the real structure of "Summa Contra Gentiles".

Although in his later "Summa Theologica", Thomas formalized the higher-level structure of his writing, he did not do so here, which somewhat complicates any presentation of this structure - the book titles are so high level that they give little feel of the work, and the chapter titles so numerous that the reader is easily overwhelmed by a list of them.

In order to give the reader some sense of the overall work, I've prepared an outline of the work that (hopefully) is short enough to be readily comprehensible and long enough to give the reader an understanding of what topics are covered and in what order. This outline is presented below:

1.0 Summa Contra Gentiles: God

1.1 Intention of the Work (1 - 2)

1.2 Truths of Reason and Revelation (3 - 9)

1.3 That God Exists (10 - 13)

1.4 That God is Eternal (14 - 20)

1.5 God's Essence (21 - 28)

1.6 That God is Known (29 - 36)

1.7 That God is Good, One and Infinite (37 - 44)

1.8 God's Intellect and Knowledge (44 - 71)

1.9 God's Will (72 - 96)

1.10 God's Life and Beatitude (97 - 102)

2.0 Summa Contra Gentiles: Creation

2.1 Purpose of the Work (1 - 5)

2.2 That God is the Creator of All Things (6)

2.3 God's Power Over His Creation (7 - 29)

2.4 For and Against the Eternity of the World (30 - 38)

2.5 The Distinction of Things (39 - 45)

2.6 Intellectual Substances (46 - 55)

2.7 The Intellect, the Soul and the Body (57 - 78)

2.8 Immortality of Man's Soul (79 - 82)

2.9 Origin of Man's Soul (83 - 89)

2.10 On Non-human (Angelic) Intellects (90 - 101)

3.0 Summa Contra Gentiles: Providence (Parts I and II)

3.1 Prologue (1)

3.2 Good, Evil, and God as the End of All Things (2 - 25)

3.3 Human Felicity (26 - 63)

3.4 How God's Providence Works (64 - 94)

3.5 Prayer and Miracles, Magic and Demons (95 - 110)

3.6 Rational Creatures and Divine Law (111 - 130)

3.7 Voluntary Poverty and Continence (131 - 138)

3.9 Rewards and Punishments (139 - 147)

3.10 Sin, Grace, and Predestination (148 - 163)

4.0 Salvation

4.1 Forward (1)

4.2 The Trinity (2 - 16)

4.3 The Incarnation (27 - 55)

4.4 The Sacraments (56 - 78)

4.5 The Resurrection (79 - 97)

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* in searching for Part II of "Providence" in Amazon's book catalog, be sure to search by the full title, or the search results may just return part I.

Bourke has provided a helpful and elucidating translation of this all-important text of Aquinas. A must for those interested in the thought of this great philosopher.

As a research student in philosophy and a Catholic priest I have found this volume invaluable. It sits on my shelf next to my five volume 1950 Leonine edition of the Summa and acts as an expanded index. This is undoubtedly its greatest value: when seeking something in the Summa the ability to lift down this one volume, look for the appropriate text and check a summary of the Questions before turning to the real thing. I would additionally recommend it to all philosophy students and those interested in Catholic Philosophy and Theology as a text which can stand alone and whet the interest in this great thinkers magnum opus.

This is an impressive book. It is a collection of all of the "I answer that" sections of the Summa Theologica. This gives you a supreme one-volume version of Thomas' affirmative thought on Catholic Theology and Philosophy. This is a great "Thumbnail" and "introduction" to the hefty five-volume opus that many people love, but few have read.

There are only two deficiencies with this volume. It does not have any commentary that other Thomistic books have, such as "A Summa of the Summa." Secondly, it omits the rather fascinating interplay of ideas that characterizes all of Thomas' works. Aquinas was agile at confronting and assimilating opposing ideas. He was able to intellectually met steel to steel, and this is what makes him a mental giant.

This book is good for Catholics who want to know their religion, or anyone who is not Catholic (as I am), who can appreciate a genius when he or she works

While any rigorous Thomistic scholarship obviously requires reference to Aquinas' unabridged works, this translation and abridgment is ideal for introducing students to Aquinas' thought. It allows students access to primary source material which would otherwise be too voluminous for easy consumption in an introductory setting. While scholars may debate the correctness of some of the translation, that is an issue for almost any translated text. Hence, I utilize this text myself in teaching Aquinas and highly recommend it to others looking for their first exposure to the Angelic Doctor's supreme achievment.

I think that everyone in the whole world should read these books, it is very possible that people could come to truly know God, and what he has blessed us with through Jesus.

All 3 volumes are priceless. In all my days I have never read anything so convincing, so convicting, so loving! For anyone curious about the validity of these books I tell you, Faking the Holy Bible would be easier!

More then 5 years have passed before I was able to finish reading volume 1. Only after much grace from God have I been able to overcome, and open my heart to what is written in these books. I challange anyone to read just this first volume and not feel how they have wronged Jesus and how blind they have been.

In these books are the teachings of Jesus through his own perspective! Many times I had to sit back in awe after reading for a short time. Being in my early 20's I found myself in an array of emotions that I seldomly express. You cant help it! Dozens of questiosn I had about the teachings of Jesus are answered by his own words, and many more that I never thought of asking. Truly, if you are looking for something straight from the mouth of God himself, you have found it in these books.

I strongly urge anyone who wants to know Jesus better, to come closer to God, or to help someone else come to Jesus, buy these books! All of them! I just finished the 3rd and final book and I truly wish I had one for each week of my life! I consider the truth in these books worth more then anything money can buy. After you read them you will understand why I said the Bible would be easier to fake. Simply, nothing from God can be Faked!

Seeing Jesus' life through His eyes and getting to know His disciples as real people has helped me grow closer to Jesus. This book is written in easy to understand language and once your start you will not want to put it down. You will get to know Jesus and His thoughts and feelings and you will find yourself thinking of Him in all areas of your life.

One look at the pages of this wrenching book will tell the story. Roman Vishniac, secretly, in some cases, shot thousands of pictures of the Jewish population of Eastern Europe, shortly before they were swallowed up by the Holocaust.

Young, old, in-between are shown going about their ordinary lives, some already paying the price of the prevalent Eastern European anti-Semitism, virtually oblivious to what was coming their way.

You can't look at these pictures and not shudder: certainly no one in these pictures can still be alive, and it's not just because of the passage of time. Most of the people photographed here lived in the smaller villages, segregated in many cases from the Gentiles, wearing clothes that quickly and easily identified them to their destroyers.

Vishniac shot an estimated 16,000 pictures, but managed to get only about 2,000 out when he fled to the United States in 1940. We should be grateful for what he's given us, and mourn all that was lost.

I was amazed at the quality of the images and the sensitive approach to what has become an amazing record of that,which many of us could only imagine from verbal accounts.It is without doubt the best photographic recording of a society which was to be brutally decimated. Vishniac's photographic artistry in my mind are on a par with Cartier Bresson whom I greatly admire. Thanks to the publisher for printing such a wonderful book.

Open this book and you will enter a world of the vanished, but not vanquished. Roman Vishniac's stunning black and white photographs of the destroyed Jewish communities of Eastern Europe will surely enter your heart, as they have mine. The simple, sometimes stark compositions are primarily of the faces of Jews long lost in the flames of the Holocaust. Most of the photographs have a brief explanatory comment that gives them context. Vishniac takes us into the tiny basement apartments of Warsaw's Jewish porters, the logging villages of Carpathian Ruthenia, and the narrow streets of Vilna. I found myself drawn into that world where Jews worked, studied, walked on their way to and from synagogues or markets, plowed fields and played in the streets. My own family originated in that world, and I thank Roman Vishniac for giving me a glimpse of it. I highly recommend this book.

A wonderful book for discovering the true meaning of Christian love in our often difficult and painful world. I have used this book more than once in putting together mini retreats for adults. One cannot help soul searching after the experience. Viewing the film Romero with Raul Julia helps bring it all home. Don't let the title put you off - the book is all about love without violence.

Archbishop Romero, the asassinated bishop of El Salvador (1980) is considered by me and many to be a prophet to the church and world of our time. Faced with a situation in his country that saw 5 percent of his nation with 95 percent of the wealth and total power over the government and military which they used to oppress the 95 percent in poverty, Archbishop Romero was transformed from a conservative bookworm to the greatest orator for justice in the clergy since Martin Luther King, Jr. This book contains excerpts from his sermons arragned in chronological order during the three years of his episcopacy in San Salvador (1977-1980). These sermons were more than just spiritual messages, but rather nation-wide calls for social justice, for nonviolence, and for an end to poverty and pain. Drawing on readings from the bible, Romero the scholar and orator shine through, but so does the Romero of compassion and solidarity with the people who suffered so much. And in many ways what he said then is still applicable today, not only in El Salvador, but all over the world, wherever there is injustice and oppression. A must read for any person concerned for social justice for all grounded in a Christian perspective!

Romero's moving quotations, spoken from the altar, are presented in chronological order. Each day Romero spoke increasingly explicit "truth to power". As his message becomes more threatening to the powers that be, the reader can almost watch the gun sites come into focus on the heart of this martyr!

Although ostensibly for children, this version of Homer's Odyssey is perfect for anyone of any age. It is faithful to Fitzgerald's and Fagles' translations, but because it is prose, it is quick to read and more entertaining than the lengthy translations. The beautiful illustrations add to the joy of experiencing this version of The Odyssey. I loved it every bit as much as my 9 and 12 year old children. It is a truly great and satisfying book.

This version of The Odyssey is beautifully illustrated, but even if you do not show them the pictures, your children will sit spellbound by the poetic language used by Rosemary Sutcliffe. The many adventures of Odysseus on his way home from the Trojan War were thrilling to my 6- and 8-year-old children, and I often found them acting out the day's reading with their stuffed animals later in the afternoon. This is not a "dumbed-down" version of the Odyssey-- it is appropriate for adults as well as children. The poetic style of Homer's original is continued by Sutcliffe. I heartily recommend this book, as well as her book, "Black Ships Before Troy", which is her version of Homer's "The Iliad".

I just finished reading the Wanderings of Odysseus to my five year old. Most people would hesitate to read something so complex to one so young, but Ms. Sutcliff breaks up the scenes into manageable bits, which are beautifully illustrated. And while I did need to simplify and explain many of Ms. Sutcliff's words to my little one, she actually looked forward to reading it.
I guess the best compliment that I can pay to this version, is that I read it 3 years ago to my oldest child who was then 5. As I read it to my younger one, my older child would come in periodically to find out what part we were on. He still remembered it quite well and even stopped to listen to it frequently. There are precious few books that appeal to so many ages.

I think that the non-religious who reads the things that Therese said and did with her sisters in community at the Lisieux Carmel may occasionally be intimidated. I know I am from time to time. Sometimes I am even confused, for there are some pieces of advice and counsel that would not do for a secular woman such as myself. But I thoroughly enjoyed this work, and the translation was superb. Through the compilation of the reminiscences, I was able to better see what it might have been like to follow Therese around, listen to her, go to her in tears, question my vocation. I am grateful for this glimpse and I believe I have a better understanding of the way Therese taught. Thanks for reading.

This is a lovely book giving us yet more details about the daily life of Therese and those with whom she lived. Her teaching of the novices is an inspiration to all of us, even though, obviously, their situation in life (nuns in 19th century France vs. lay folks in 21st century) is quite different from ours. I loved this little book.

The appearance of this book in English is a gift to all of Therese's English-speaking friends. Marie of the Trinity tells many stories about Therese not recorded elsewhere, and the study of her relationship with Therese is itself endlessly fascinating. Insights into daily life at Lisieux Carmel; interesting account of life at Carmel from 1897-1944. Read about the dream Therese had about 1896 which she confided to Marie of the Trinity; she dreamt of a celebration for her in a field, like a cemetery, yet festive, and told Marie that sooner or later they would find out what the dream meant. In March 1923, the solemn translation of Therese's relics from Lisieux cemetery to the Carmel took place, and Marie realized the dream had foreshadowed that event, in which 50,000 pilgrims followed the body of Sister Therese in its return to Carmel. It is easy to see why the testimony of Marie of the Trinity was important at the Process. Enjoy.

Father Martin has written a very good book. The strength of the book lies in the way that the refugee's stories are presented. Father Martin does not parade their hardships and poverty before us in an attempt to provoke our sympathy or guilt. Rather, Father Martin presents us with real people who love and live. We come to know the people in the book as people, no different in their humanity than you or I. On the surface, this is no great insight, but I think we tend to objectify the exiles of the world in order to keep our distance from them. Father Martin does not let us do this. We come to know and care about the people in this book very deeply. Of course, this opens us up, as readers, to a deeper sorrow and (hopefully) a deeper understanding of how too many people live. But it also opens us up to a greater experience of God and how God works in the world. This book is a slim volume and easily read, but the spirutual insights are deep and meaningful. This book should be read by all of the idle and self-involved inhabitants of the "first world." You will never be able to look at a disposable plastic cup in the same way again.

I'm planning on going on a missions trip to Kenya this summer, so I was really searching for a book that would give me insight on the people of that region, not just the normal tourist information. This book blew away all my expectations. Not only did I meet the refugees through James Martins engaging narratives, I also felt like I knew them and could really identify with their hardships. The stories grew depressing at times, but such is life in East Africa, and that fact only made their faith and hope more amazing and inspiring. Martin was often humorous and candid, and I felt myself trying to cheer him along on his journeys as if I was right there with him.
This our Exile is a good read for anyone interested in East Africa and it's people who are often ignored and under represented. 2 giant thumbs up.

In this engaging book, a young Jesuit recounts the trials, tribulations and rewards of his two-year stint among the refugees of East Africa. He describes in vivid detail true-life vignettes of strength and hope in the midst of grinding poverty. But this book is far from somber--rather, it's full of laugh-out-loud humor combined with an evident love of the author's fellow man. A great book!!

Love the pictures and the write-ups. Much prefer this to Usborne's World History which has more nudity than I can allow my children.

Awesome book for all ages, the pictures are great. There is so much information,yet it is easy to follow and understand. It is well worth the money, and much more interesting than the history books in schools. This is a book you wished you could have had to learn with when you were in school.

This book is one of the best around for teaching ancient history to all ages! The colorful pictures, and detailed, yet short explanations hold a child's interest. There is enough information for an older child to learn and retain his new knowledge. The pictures are wonderful, which further the beauty of this book!

Any student of modern Catholicism should have this book. What Vatican II did in its influence of present day Catholic perspectives and outlook is well-known. What is often forgotten is the documents outlining the future understanding of what the Roman Catholic Church is.

Catholics high school level and up should be introduced to this, particular those students concerned with understanding the official apologetic on tough issues. Protestants of all denominations will see how their own history has been intertwined with Roman Catholicism, and, from this volume, appreciate the similarities and differences. In fact, I bought my copy in a conservative Protestant bookstore, as the nearby Catholic store only sold gift books.

In this first volume, "The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents," you'll quickly see is not a teaching book like the new Catechism is intended. Instead, it is a collection of key papers, decrees and statements explaining Rome's view on issues as varied as the

* liturgy
* worship music
* requirements to receive communion
* ecumenism
* bishops
* training of priests
* nonChristian religions and the Catholic Church's relationship to them
* defining and explaining divine revelation
* lay people
* religious liberty
* missionaries

In many ways, this is far more substantive than the Catechism, in that it provides a more thorough Scriptural base in its reasoning. It is more of an anthology of legal decrees, and yet it accessible. It isn't in legalese, but it may refer to Articles and other documents unknown to some readers.

The introduction realizes the reader may not be a Vatican scholar, and a quick, but useful overview of biblical and extrabiblical abbreviations. Each section thereafter has an introduction to provide context behind the need for developing the given decree.

The appendix is strong, and will lead serious researchers to the precise document in question.

The book appears to be set in a 10 pt. Times, with just a quarter to half inch margin, and the volume itself is delivered with an awkward dimension. The book is thicker than it should be, and the solution would've been bigger pages, and thus, a thinner book instead of the current 1062 pages. There is a study edition which is said to accommodate these concerns.

I fully recommend "Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents (Vatican Collection, Volume 1)." It is just part of the beginning to understand the vastness of modern Catholic theology, but it is a highly readable book, and is officially recognized by Rome for its reliability.

Anthony Trendl

From some of the comments I have heard people make about what the Church teaches since Vatican II, I think quite a few people should get these documents and read them. From what I have heard, this is a good translation. Read it and see what the Church really teaches.

I told my spritual advisor that I felt uncomfortable with Second Vatican Council changes. He advised that I get and read the actual documents. The version he recommended was only 800 pages long. Thank God it was not available. Instead I got both 'Volume 1-Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents' and 'Volume 2-More Post Conciliar Documents' of Flannery's 'Vatican Council II' set. They opened my eyes to the Council. I loved and appreciated the changes made. And the documents are very, very easy to read and understand.

I bought my friend a set as a gift. He thanks me to this day. Every Catholic (and priest) should have these books on there shelves next to their Bible and New Catechism and read them as a regular daily regimen.

Reading these books cleared up many of the misrepresentations slipped in by those wanting change the church on their own. I had felt alienated. But these documents are what was really passed by the Council. What the Vatican Council really decreed. They should be labeled 'The Truth About Vatican Council II'.

Thank you Fr. Austin Flannery!!