James Arthur (theologian) facts for kids

James Arthur was a Dominican friar and theologian. A friar is a member of a religious group who lives and works among people. James Arthur was born in Limerick, Ireland, in the early 1600s. He most likely died in 1670.

Early Life and Studies

James Arthur joined the Dominican Order in Spain. He became a member at the St. Stephen monastery in Salamanca. The Dominicans are a Catholic religious order. He studied and later taught about religious beliefs. He taught in several monasteries of his order. He was especially known for teaching in Salamanca. He was a very respected teacher. Many students learned a lot from him.

Teaching at Coimbra University

In 1640, James Arthur was invited to the University of Coimbra in Portugal. He became the first professor of theology there. He held this important teaching position until 1642.

A Difficult Decision

During this time, Portugal separated from Spain. James Arthur faced a difficult choice. He was asked to take an oath. This oath would mean supporting a specific religious belief. He refused to take this oath. Because of his refusal, he was asked to leave the university.

Later Years and Writings

After leaving Coimbra, James Arthur returned to Lisbon, Portugal. He lived for many years at the St. Dominic monastery. He spent his time writing a major book. This book was a detailed explanation of the Summa Theologiae. This was a famous work by St. Thomas Aquinas. Arthur planned for his book to be ten volumes long. However, he passed away after completing only two volumes. Only the first volume was printed, in 1655.

His Passing

Some historians, like Jacques Quétif and Jacques Échard, believed he died in February 1644. However, most agree that he died in 1670. He was buried where he died. This was at the St. Dominic monastery in Lisbon, Portugal.

Sources

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "James Arthur". Catholic Encyclopedia. (1913). New York: Robert Appleton.