Dave Palmer is dedicated to making the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas accessible to everyone. His mission is to help ordinary Catholics—regardless of their background, education level, or age—discover the clarity, beauty, and practical wisdom contained in the Summa Theologica. Although the Summa Theologica is often viewed as a difficult theological work reserved for scholars, Aquinas originally wrote it as a guide for beginners. Dave’s approach reflects that intention. Through engaging explanations, memorable examples, and practical applications, he helps audiences understand the foundational principles of Catholic philosophy and theology in a way that is approachable and meaningful.
Dave’s own journey with the Summa began fifteen years ago when he purchased a copy from a local Catholic bookstore and committed himself to reading it. Over the course of nine months he carefully worked through the entire work from beginning to end. The experience profoundly shaped his intellectual and spiritual life. Since that time, he has continued to read, study, and teach the writings of Aquinas daily.
For more than eleven years, Dave has taught “An Introduction to the Summa Theologica” to high school students through Homeschool Connections, where his course has become a favorite among students seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. Parents and students alike appreciate his ability to present challenging material in a way that is intellectually engaging while remaining accessible. Students frequently remark that Dave’s teaching helps them think more clearly and appreciate the coherence and beauty of Catholic thought. Parents also note that his classes present serious theological ideas in a way that challenges young people without overwhelming them.
Dave is also the author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone: 30 Quick and Fun Lessons, Activities and Outdoor Adventures Based on the Summa Theologica. Written especially for families, the book helps parents and grandparents introduce children—even as young as five years old—to basic principles of Christian philosophy through engaging lessons and activities. In addition to his work with students, Dave teaches adults through the Guadalupe Radio Network’s GRN Academy, where he continues to guide participants through the insights of Aquinas. Dave is also the creator of the Study the Summa YouTube channel, which is dedicated to helping Catholics better understand and appreciate the enduring wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Through his teaching, writing, and speaking, Dave seeks to help people rediscover the timeless insights of the Angelic Doctor and see how they illuminate everyday life and faith.
Talk Titles and Descriptions:
An introduction to the Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas
Dave summarizes the main themes and teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas in his famous Summa Theologica, which charts the human person’s journey from God and back to God, focusing on such topics as the Proofs for God’s existence, the Attributes of God, the Angels, Human Nature, Grace, Justification, the Virtues and the Four Last Things.
St. Thomas Aquinas’ Famous Five Proofs for the Existence of God
The best known and most widely discussed part of the Summa Theologica is the St. Thomas Aquinas’ famous Five Proofs for God’s Existence. Found in the 2nd question of the Summa Theologica, these Proofs lay the foundation for the rest of St. Thomas’ teachings in the Summa. Every Christian should be familiar with these Five Proofs to answer the arguments of Atheists today.
The Seven Attributes of God as Explained in the Summa Theologica
In the first part of his famous Summa Theologica, St. Thomas Aquinas explains the Seven Attributes of God, the ways that one can best describe God’s nature. God is simple, Perfect, Good, Infinite, Immutable, Eternal and One. Knowing the Attributes of God’s nature helps one not only understand God but also what it means for humans to be made to His Image and Likeness.
Everything St. Thomas Aquinas teaches about the Angels in the Summa Theologica
One of the most fascinating and talked about topics in St. Thomas’ Summa Theologica is his teaching on the Angels. These fascinating teachings is one of the reasons he’s referred to as The Angelic Doctor. In this talk, Dave explains what St. Thomas teaches about the angels’ nature, how they differ from human beings, the the various orders of angels, and the way the angels know, will, love and communicate with each other.
The Dignity of the Human Person, Made to God’s Image
What makes the human person unique among the nearly nine million species of visible creatures on earth? We’re the only one of those species that is made to God’s Image and Likeness. What does that mean and how can a realization of this fact fundamentally change the way we appreciate the gift we’ve been given by God to be persons and also to help us appreciate every other person we encounter in our lives?
How to Live a Life of Happiness and Joy, Based on the Teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas
God created us for happiness, both here on earth and more importantly, eternally in heaven. And every person naturally desires to be happy. If these statements are true, why does happiness in this life seem to elusive and why will some never enjoy the glory of being with God and the saints in heaven forever? In this talk, Dave explains what happiness is, and how we can best direct lives to the greatest of all good ends, union with God forever in heaven.
The Four Kinds of Law, as taught by St. Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica
In this talk Dave explains one of the most popular sections of the Summa Theologica- the Treatise on Law. He’ll explain the difference between The Eternal Law, The Natural Law, The Human Law and The Divine Law, and how these four kinds of law impact our daily lives and ultimately, our eternal salvation.
St. Thomas Aquinas Teaching on the Virtues
Virtues are what make the human person good and since God is Goodness itself, the more virtuous we are, the more we are like God. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote extensively on the virtues in his famous Summa Theologica. He’ll explain the difference between the various kinds of virtues, such as the moral, cardinal, intellectual and theological, and how each in its own way helps make us good and directs us to happiness, both here on earth and ultimate happiness with God and the saints in heaven.
What is Heaven like, according to St. Thomas Aquinas?
In this fun and engaging talk, Dave explains how St. Thomas Aquinas describes heaven at the end of his famous Summa Theologica. He answers such questions as will we have our same bodies in heaven, what will it mean for the body to be glorified, will there be animals in heaven, what will it be like to be united to God and what did Jesus mean when he said in His Father’s house there are many rooms?
Who was St. Thomas Aquinas and why Should Everyone Study him?
St. Thomas Aquinas was a 13th century, Italian Dominican priest who wrote perhaps the most significant theological book in the history of Christianity, other than the Bible. His famous Summa Theologica was written for ‘beginners,’ but today most find St. Thomas Aquinas very intimidating to study. So, who was this great saint, why should we all study his Summa and why did he voluntarily stop writing the Summa Theologica before it was finished?
