St. Thomas Aquinas (1224 - 1274 AD)

Thomas Aquinas was the most influential theologian in the Middle Ages. Most later theologians copied their arguments from him.

In Thomas’ time women were excluded from the ordained ministries. Thomas had to find justification for this as a theologian. The main reason, he decided, was woman’s inferior nature.

Thomas based his reasonings on what people knew at the time. They believed that only the male seed carried life. They judged women as having less intelligence and being weak in character. On this page we outline Thomas’s teaching. To read the exact words of Thomas, click on the links indicated!

For an analysis of the validity of Thomas’s arguments, click here!

Creation

	God created MAN first making him the origin of the rest of humanity.	God created WOMAN out of man and for man.
	God created MAN in his own image in the full sense of the term since God is the source of everything.	God created WOMAN in his image only to the extent that she too has a mind.

Differences at Birth

The active force in the male seed derives its power also from the stars.	A MAN’s seed contains the future child.	In procreation, a WOMAN only contributes her womb - which is like a ploughed field in which a grain of seed has been sown. The woman feeds the foetus.
	When a MALE child is born the birth is perfect.	Every FEMALE child is born through an ‘accident’. ‘The semen is weak or the material [in the womb] is unsuitable, or because of the action of some external factor such as the winds from the south which make the atmosphere humid.’	But in God’s overall plan women do serve a purpose. They are useful for generation. After all, in his providence, God can even make use of ‘accidents’.
		Strictly speaking, every WOMAN is a ‘monster’ of nature.	The female sexual organs too will rise at the resurrection. For resurrection repairs the defects of nature.

Other Gender Differences

MAN has the greater power of reason. Because God ordered [= streamlined] him for intellectual activity.	WOMEN are not ordered to intellectual operation. Though a WOMAN is carnally united to a man in generation, she is not united to him in his higher faculties.	That is why St. Paul forbade women to teach or to have authority over men.
A MAN naturally commands authority.	WOMEN are subject to men. For man is the beginning and end of WOMAN.	Even a WOMAN’s hair is a sign of her subjection to man.
	God made WOMAN a helper to man, but only for generation, not for a man’s other tasks.

Representing Christ

	MAN is in a state of perfection. MEN signify eminence in human nature.	WOMAN is in a state of subjection. The FEMALE SEX cannot ‘signify eminence of degree’ [= women cannot be the expression of perfect human nature].
	Therefore, it is MEN who can represent Christ at the Eucharist.	Therefore, WOMEN cannot represent Christ at the Eucharist.
		John Wijngaards

Documents on St. Thomas Aquinas
Women and procreation	Inferiority of women	Arguments	Overview	The priest as sign	Women and holy orders	If Thomas had known

For related online Libraries see:
The ORDINATION OF WOMEN in the Catholic Church	Catherine of Siena VIRTUAL COLLEGE
THE BODY IS SACRED	MYSTERY AND BEYOND

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