the five ways of thomas aquinas theology

the topic “The Five Ways of Thomas Aquinas”

The paper is meant to demonstrate an understanding of Christian Theology through careful evaluation of a single doctrine. Students will select one of the chief doctrines discussed in class (or previously approved by the instructor) and investigate the following questions: (1.) What does the doctrine teach? (2.) Are there any popular misconceptions about the doctrine? If so, how might these be addressed? (3.) Where is the doctrine found in the Bible? (4.) Which significant theologian(s) have taught the doctrine and how did they apply it in their lifetime(s)? (5.) Why should Christians today care about the significance of the doctrine?

For this paper, outline and organization are of primary importance. Its two parts are graded separately:

1. Tutorial: Topic, thesis question, annotated bibliography, and detailed outline.
2. The Final Draft: there are no revisions available after this so be sure to work hard on the rough draft.

Basic requirements (ask yourself whether you have covered these before submitting your rough draft)

•  Did I use Chicago style and consult the writing handbook on all documentation formats?
•  Did I properly cite sources and avoid any semblance of plagiarism?
•  Did I refer to a Christian theologian at least once in a meaningful way?
•  Do I have a thesis to which the reader can respond “Yes” or “No?”
•  Do my supporting paragraphs contribute evidence for my main point?
•  Did I use appropriate sources (e.g., one book written in or before the nineteenth century, one book written in the twentieth or twenty-first century, and one Bible commentary)?
•  Is my paper at least 5 pages long? The paper must be uploaded in Word format. The body of the paper should be five to seven pages long (not counting title page and/or the bibliography/works cited page). Use 12-point Times or Times New Roman font with double spacing and 1” margins on all sides. Use left justification (not full justification). Format the paper according to the Chicago Manual of Style guidelines, and cite sources using the Chicago style. Consult and engage at least four substantive (i.e., significant theological) sources. These must include:

•  A Bible commentary.
•  A scholarly theological work written in the nineteenth century or earlier.
•  A scholarly theological work written in the twentieth or twenty-first century.
•  A work considered to be a classical treatment of your chosen topic by a theologian of note.

No electronic or internet sources are permitted for use in this paper!

I will use the following rubric to grade the paper:

•  20% Mechanics, grammar, and academic style.
•  20% Outline and demonstration of an actual argument. Does the conclusion follow from your premise?
•  20% Sources. Did you use suitable sources and incorporate them appropriately?
•  20% Topic coverage. Did you provide appropriate depth and did you demonstrate knowledge of your subject matter?
•  20% Engagement. Did you demonstrate your own critical thought related to this subject? Did you avoid simply recounting the ideas of others and step out with some demonstration that you have thought deeply about the subject? The specific