Books by Anton ten Klooster
Peeters Leuven, 2018
What is happiness and how do we attain it? Saint Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1226-1274) devoted much time... more What is happiness and how do we attain it? Saint Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1226-1274) devoted much time to these questions. In studying them he always returned to the beatitudes as they are found in Matthew 5:1-10. They function as the framework for his theology of human happiness. This study presents that theology as it comes to the fore in Aquinas’ performance of his three tasks as a magister at the Parisian university: to read Scripture, to dispute theological topics, and to preach.
This study shows that Aquinas believes that the beatitudes describe a number of virtuous actions, the exercise of which is made possible by grace, specified in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. To all those observing the new law constituted by the beatitudes, a reward is promised in the form of eternal happiness. Any happiness that can be had in this life is at best an inchoate form of the reward of eternal happiness, which is described in the second part of each individual beatitude.
Adveniat, 2019
In de woorden van Jezus, bekend als de zaligsprekingen, ligt de sleutel tot een gelukkig Christel... more In de woorden van Jezus, bekend als de zaligsprekingen, ligt de sleutel tot een gelukkig Christelijk leven. Die overtuiging is de basis voor dit boek. Dit boek heeft twee doelen: te leren over de zaligsprekingen en leren leven vanuit de zaligsprekingen. Een boek dat toegankelijk is voor een breder publiek, vanuit de overtuiging dat deze woorden van Jezus een waardevolle basis zijn voor een gelukkig en gelovig leven
Berne Media, 2018
'Willibrord through the ages' refers to an ancient hymn in honor of the Apostle of the Netherland... more 'Willibrord through the ages' refers to an ancient hymn in honor of the Apostle of the Netherlands. It acclaims the fortitude and boldness of a hero of faith. Is this an image of the past in a country that seemingly has lost its Christian faith? And what to make of the criticism that violence was used in spreading the Good News? Scholars, clergy and even a film writer contribute their perspectives to this volume. Sometimes their perspectives clash but each own of them offers a window on the memory of saint Willibrord.
Articles by Anton ten Klooster
Journal of Moral Theology, 2021
The aim of this contribution is to understand conversion as part of
the Christian life, and to do... more The aim of this contribution is to understand conversion as part of
the Christian life, and to do so in light of Scripture and its interpretation
in the Catholic theological tradition. We will begin and end with sections engaging the question of conversion as an everyday event and draw from Scripture in the middle sections for guidance as to what it means to ‘convert.’ Together, these sections help us to appreciate conversion as a radical transformation that touches upon all of the domains of one’s life. In the first section, we will address the different aspects of the question of conversion. We will draw in particular from the work of Bernard Lonergan for this task. This brings us to section two, where we study the call to conversion, or metanoia, in the Gospel Both John the Baptist and Jesus call the people into the kingdom of God with the same words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:1, 4:17). For both, it marks the beginning of their public ministry, indicating how fundamental conversion is when we want to heed the call to the kingdom. We will study these passages considering recent New Testament scholarship, paying particular attention to the meaning of the word metanoia which is often translated as “repent.” This study of the Gospel raises several questions on the process of conversion and its actors. We will take these up in section three where we bring the biblical commentaries of Thomas Aquinas into the discussion. In the fourth and final section, we will bring all these insights together and consider their bearing on moral theology.
Divinitas, 2019
The aim of the present contribution is to further our appreciation of Aquinas' magisterial office... more The aim of the present contribution is to further our appreciation of Aquinas' magisterial office, and to explain how it functions and how it can serve as a model for how we do theology. Thus, it argues for the continued relevance of the work of Thomas Aquinas, in line with the continued magisterial encouragement to read the work of the Doctor Communis and to build upon it. Our first step will be to argue that in order to study Aquinas’ ex professo treatment of any given subject, we are to begin with studying his exposition of Scripture. This exposition was the foundational part of the threefold task of reading and explaining (legere), discussing and clarifying the topics derived from the reading (disputare) and presenting the key insights to the wider academic community (praedicare). We will clarify the nature of these steps in further detail. Second, we will show
in a number of sections how Aquinas applied this method, by analyzing his interpretation of the beatitudes. Third and finally, we will offer some reflections on how we might follow in the footsteps of magister Thomas.
Nova et Vetera - English Edition, 2020
In this contribution I argue that the beatitudes are the key to a proper understanding of the ent... more In this contribution I argue that the beatitudes are the key to a proper understanding of the entire prima secundae of the Summa Theologiae as a discussion of the pursuit of happiness. In order to do so, we need to consider them in relation to the infused virtues, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. First, I will briefly argue why it is important to have discussions about the structure of the Summa at all. Second, I will present a number of valuable interpretations of the place of the Beatitudes in the prima secundae. These works of Eleonore Stump, Andrew Pinsent, Pinckaers, and William Mattison contribute to our understanding of the matter, but I believe they still fall short in important aspects. Third, I will offer my own interpretation of the structure, which is a development of the proposals of Pinckaers and Mattison. In my proposal the notion of merit is key to reading the prima secundae as a unified discussion Merit is a term that describes acting toward the final end with the help of grace, as I will argue with reference to Aquinas’s commentary on Matthew. When we follow this understanding of merit we find a way of speaking of the value of human action without diminishing the necessity of God’s grace for the attainment of the final end. Fourth and finally I will provide a brief sketch of the implications of my proposal for our understanding of prima secundae and thus for the moral life of the Christian.
Medieval Sermon Studies, 2019
The single task of the Parisian masters of the thirteenth century was to read Scripture, a task t... more The single task of the Parisian masters of the thirteenth century was to read Scripture, a task they performed by way of the famous legere, disputare, praedicare. Although intimately connected these three are rarely studied in relation to each other. Thomas Aquinas’s sermons on the beatitudes (Matthew 5. 1–10) can be compared to his commentary on Matthew and the Summa Theologiae. This opens up a new perspective on the sermons, addressing some of the questions they raise. The edition of Aquinas’s sermons by Louis Bataillon is instrumental in performing this task and will therefore be considered in greater detail. The present article seeks to contribute to Medieval Sermon Studies by way of a more theological approach and to present to theologians the importance of a greater appreciation for the sermons of the masters.
Incontri: Rivista Europea di Studi Italiani, 2019
Dante’s dependence on scholastic theologians can explain the seemingly peculiar presence of the b... more Dante’s dependence on scholastic theologians can explain the seemingly peculiar presence of the beatitudes in Purgatorio. In this essay we will first address how the beatitudes are a structural element of Purgatorio, and which theological sources may have inspired their use. This allows us to address the relation between each beatitude and the sin that has been purged. Together, these insights lead to the conclusion that in Purgatorio the beatitudes are markers of the process of moral transformation.
European Journal for the Study of Thomas Aquinas, 2019
After his death an intense struggle ensued for ownership of the relics of Thomas Aquinas. There w... more After his death an intense struggle ensued for ownership of the relics of Thomas Aquinas. There were both pious and political motives for the desire to possess the bones of the saint. This article introduces the topic by describing the places where Aquinas’ relics can now be found. We then outline Aquinas’ own views on the veneration of relics, which is characterized by an appreciation of the practice but with great caution to avoid superstition. An historical overview of the fate of Aquinas’ relics sheds light on their significance, particularly in light of the canonization process. The final reflection considers the fate of Aquinas’ relics in light of his own theology.
Journal of Moral Theology, 2019
There is an increasing awareness that the infused virtues, gifts of the Holy Spirit, beatitudes a... more There is an increasing awareness that the infused virtues, gifts of the Holy Spirit, beatitudes and fruits of the Holy Spirit form essential elements of Aquinas’ moral theology, even though they were long treated as ornamental discussions or as relevant only to mysticism. Some studies have discussed one of these elements or the relation between them. But there is still much confusion about the fruits of the Holy Spirit. They almost mysteriously appear at the end of Aquinas’ discussion of the virtuous life and they are very often glossed over, or interpreted as belonging to the domain of the passions. This article presents the importance of a proper understanding of the fruits. I will argue on the basis of Aquinas’ commentary on Galatians and the Summa that it is time to do away with the notion that the fruits are passions or dispositions. We should understand the fruits in relation to the beatitudes since both are acts that result from the reorientation of the will of the human person through grace. The fruits are the supervenient delight that comes along with the beatitudes. This theory is corroborated by a study of the commentary on Matthew, which is contemporaneous with the prima secundae. Question eleven of the prima secundae, on fruitio, is the key to understanding the fruits. In this question Aquinas expands on delight, enjoyment and the fruit of human life. As such, it can be read as an analogy for the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Jaarboek Thomas Instituut te Utrecht, 2017
There is a renewed interest in Thomas Aquinas’ interpretation of
the beatitudes. An important sou... more There is a renewed interest in Thomas Aquinas’ interpretation of
the beatitudes. An important source for the study of the beatitudes
is Aquinas’ commentary on the gospel of Matthew. However, the
available editions of this commentary present a text that ignores the
oldest manuscript, and has omissions and deviations with regard to
this Basel manuscript. In this article, we offer an edition of that part
of the manuscript which contains the commentary on Matthew 5:1-
10. The critical apparatus has a double function: it records variant
readings, and it provides references to the Biblical, patristic, and
philosophical sources employed by Aquinas. While we await the
Leonine edition of the commentary on Matthew, the present text
can serve as a basis for studying Aquinas’ interpretation of the
beatitudes.
Jaarboek Thomas Instituut te Utrecht, 2016
The aim of this article is to demonstrate the relevance of the commentary for understanding Aquin... more The aim of this article is to demonstrate the relevance of the commentary for understanding Aquinas’ theology in general, and that of the beatitudes in particular. It does so by discussing the use of the concept ‘beatitudo’ in the commentary, and by studying in detail Aquinas’ remarks on merit, law, and reward, in relation to the beatitudes. This leads to the conclusion that the commentary can help us to clarify certain themes, as well as to understand the context and development of Aquinas’ theology. The beatitudes are a central theme in Aquinas’ treatment of human happiness, and the commentary on the gospel of Matthew is a highly relevant source for studying Aquinas’ thought on this Biblical concept.
Angelicum, 2014
The gospel of Matthew is more important to the theology of Thomas Aquinas than most scholars have... more The gospel of Matthew is more important to the theology of Thomas Aquinas than most scholars have realised. Access to his commentary on this gospel is impeded by the lack of a critical edition. Moreover, we have only two reportationes of the text. In order to establish the value of these texts, I present a systematic comparison of the background, skill, and editorial activity of their scribes, and try to settle the major textual and historical issues. I present more arguments in support of the idea that the reportatio of Aquinas’ secretary Peter of Andria is the most reliable of the two. The information I provide here is intended as a starting point for further research on the commentary on Matthew, and on the importance of this gospel to the theology of Aquinas.
Book sections by Anton ten Klooster
This chapter presents a reflection on the possibilities of social media as a tool for forming com... more This chapter presents a reflection on the possibilities of social media as a tool for forming community among young Catholics, departing from a case study of Dutch youth participating in the 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid.
In this chapter, I offer an ecclesiological reflection on the development of the parish and the p... more In this chapter, I offer an ecclesiological reflection on the development of the parish and the possible uses of social media in sustaining the parish.
Review articles by Anton ten Klooster
Biblica et Patristica Thoruniensa, 2017
Book review, with an extended discussion of the interpretation of Aquinas' sermons, and their rel... more Book review, with an extended discussion of the interpretation of Aquinas' sermons, and their relevance for preachers today. Randall B. Smith, Reading the Sermons of Thomas Aquinas: A Beginner’s Guide , Steubenville, Emmaus Academic, 2016, xxxiv + 342 pp., ISBN: 978-1-941447-97-0
Espiritu, 2016
Review article discussing the contents of the volume on Aquinas' interpretation on Scripture.
Book reviews by Anton ten Klooster
Journal of Reformed Theology, 2021
Review of Krom's 'Justice and Charity' for the Journal of Reformed Theology
European Journal for the Study of Thomas Aquinas, 2020
Against the criticism that the work of Bernard Lonergan opens the door to a dangerous form of Car... more Against the criticism that the work of Bernard Lonergan opens the door to a dangerous form of Cartesian subjectivism Jeremy Wilkins seeks to present Lonergan’s theology within the tradition of Christian self-knowledge. He argues that Lonergan, very much like Aquinas in his time, worked on an architectonic overhaul of ‘how we do theology’. The key question in this process is how we can provide a foundation for normative theological claims. What comes before the axioms and doctrines? “Before the truth expressed in propositions, there is the existential truthfulness by which we measure up to questions, develop understanding, reach balanced judgment” (3).
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Books by Anton ten Klooster
This study shows that Aquinas believes that the beatitudes describe a number of virtuous actions, the exercise of which is made possible by grace, specified in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. To all those observing the new law constituted by the beatitudes, a reward is promised in the form of eternal happiness. Any happiness that can be had in this life is at best an inchoate form of the reward of eternal happiness, which is described in the second part of each individual beatitude.
Articles by Anton ten Klooster
the Christian life, and to do so in light of Scripture and its interpretation
in the Catholic theological tradition. We will begin and end with sections engaging the question of conversion as an everyday event and draw from Scripture in the middle sections for guidance as to what it means to ‘convert.’ Together, these sections help us to appreciate conversion as a radical transformation that touches upon all of the domains of one’s life. In the first section, we will address the different aspects of the question of conversion. We will draw in particular from the work of Bernard Lonergan for this task. This brings us to section two, where we study the call to conversion, or metanoia, in the Gospel Both John the Baptist and Jesus call the people into the kingdom of God with the same words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:1, 4:17). For both, it marks the beginning of their public ministry, indicating how fundamental conversion is when we want to heed the call to the kingdom. We will study these passages considering recent New Testament scholarship, paying particular attention to the meaning of the word metanoia which is often translated as “repent.” This study of the Gospel raises several questions on the process of conversion and its actors. We will take these up in section three where we bring the biblical commentaries of Thomas Aquinas into the discussion. In the fourth and final section, we will bring all these insights together and consider their bearing on moral theology.
in a number of sections how Aquinas applied this method, by analyzing his interpretation of the beatitudes. Third and finally, we will offer some reflections on how we might follow in the footsteps of magister Thomas.
the beatitudes. An important source for the study of the beatitudes
is Aquinas’ commentary on the gospel of Matthew. However, the
available editions of this commentary present a text that ignores the
oldest manuscript, and has omissions and deviations with regard to
this Basel manuscript. In this article, we offer an edition of that part
of the manuscript which contains the commentary on Matthew 5:1-
10. The critical apparatus has a double function: it records variant
readings, and it provides references to the Biblical, patristic, and
philosophical sources employed by Aquinas. While we await the
Leonine edition of the commentary on Matthew, the present text
can serve as a basis for studying Aquinas’ interpretation of the
beatitudes.
Book sections by Anton ten Klooster
Review articles by Anton ten Klooster
Book reviews by Anton ten Klooster
This study shows that Aquinas believes that the beatitudes describe a number of virtuous actions, the exercise of which is made possible by grace, specified in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. To all those observing the new law constituted by the beatitudes, a reward is promised in the form of eternal happiness. Any happiness that can be had in this life is at best an inchoate form of the reward of eternal happiness, which is described in the second part of each individual beatitude.
the Christian life, and to do so in light of Scripture and its interpretation
in the Catholic theological tradition. We will begin and end with sections engaging the question of conversion as an everyday event and draw from Scripture in the middle sections for guidance as to what it means to ‘convert.’ Together, these sections help us to appreciate conversion as a radical transformation that touches upon all of the domains of one’s life. In the first section, we will address the different aspects of the question of conversion. We will draw in particular from the work of Bernard Lonergan for this task. This brings us to section two, where we study the call to conversion, or metanoia, in the Gospel Both John the Baptist and Jesus call the people into the kingdom of God with the same words: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:1, 4:17). For both, it marks the beginning of their public ministry, indicating how fundamental conversion is when we want to heed the call to the kingdom. We will study these passages considering recent New Testament scholarship, paying particular attention to the meaning of the word metanoia which is often translated as “repent.” This study of the Gospel raises several questions on the process of conversion and its actors. We will take these up in section three where we bring the biblical commentaries of Thomas Aquinas into the discussion. In the fourth and final section, we will bring all these insights together and consider their bearing on moral theology.
in a number of sections how Aquinas applied this method, by analyzing his interpretation of the beatitudes. Third and finally, we will offer some reflections on how we might follow in the footsteps of magister Thomas.
the beatitudes. An important source for the study of the beatitudes
is Aquinas’ commentary on the gospel of Matthew. However, the
available editions of this commentary present a text that ignores the
oldest manuscript, and has omissions and deviations with regard to
this Basel manuscript. In this article, we offer an edition of that part
of the manuscript which contains the commentary on Matthew 5:1-
10. The critical apparatus has a double function: it records variant
readings, and it provides references to the Biblical, patristic, and
philosophical sources employed by Aquinas. While we await the
Leonine edition of the commentary on Matthew, the present text
can serve as a basis for studying Aquinas’ interpretation of the
beatitudes.