An Investigation into the Relationship between Aristotelian Eudaimonia and Christian Discipleship: A Thomistic Perspective

by Donald Williams

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2023

Overview

The quest for happiness, human flourishing, and well-being is one of the most universal, primeval desires of humankind. It is a natural desire to care for one’s personal interest, to seek some measure of flourishing. In two of his great works, Thomas Aquinas argues that perfect happiness is not possible in this life. Humankind’s quest for happiness is found in the contemplation of the truth which begins in this life but will be consummated in the Beatific Vision when we shall see Christ face to face.
In the second part of his imminent work The Summa Theologica, Thomas Aquinas seeks to integrate Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. The cornerstone of his theoretical system is eudaimonia, human flourishing, well-being, or happiness. Aquinas ultimately concludes that perfect happiness (beatitude) cannot be achieved in this life. However, imperfect happiness is possible.
For Aquinas, humankind’s happiness (eudaimonia) is realized in the sublime contemplation of the truth. This quest for wisdom and understanding is specific to humankind, as opposed to other creatures. Aquinas asserts that the perfect discernment, the realization of truth will occur in the Beatific Vision when we see God face to face.

Praise for An Investigation into the Relationship between Aristotelian Eudaimonia and Christian Discipleship

In this creative, daring, and useful book, Donald Williams puts in conversation two unlikely interlocutors—Jesus and Aristotle. Williams allows Aristotle to talk about one of his dearest concepts, eudaimonia, then asks Jesus to engage with him on his chief theme, discipleship. As if it were not remarkable enough for Williams to present a challenging theological work, he then tells us how he shared his insights with a group of ordinary Christians in his congregation. The result is a remarkable book, an embrace of the theological and the practical, and an example of how classical philosophical concepts can have relevance to the lives or contemporary disciples.

——Will Willimon, director, Doctor of Ministry Program, Duke University

Product Details

• Title: An Investigation into the Relationship between Aristotelian Eudaimonia and Christian Discipleship: A Thomistic Perspective
• Author: Donald Williams
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2023
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Pages: 146
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781666768817, 9781666768800, 1666768804, 9781666768794, 1666768790, 1666768812
• Resource ID: LLS:9781666768817
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T17:44:43Z

About the Author

Donald E. Williams is a United Methodist pastor, published author, professional musician, and fine art photographer. He completed his doctoral studies at Duke University in 2022.