In this new volume, Thomas F. O"Meara, O.P., considers Aquinas as a theologian and a teacher, examining the effects of his influence on past and present western thought. Introducing readers to the cultural and theological worlds of Aquinas, O"Meara examines the Summa theologiae in terms of its purpose and multiple structures. He conducts a tour through the great themes of Christianity as presented in the Summa - themes which range from the Triune divine being, to the graced person as the image of God and a member of the body of Christ, to life beyond death. O"Meara complements his study with an overview of six centuries of interpretation of Aquinas, revealing how many schools and disciples have advocated and employed his thought.