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Pre-Writing Scaffold Assignment
Ashly Paul-Pierre
School of Education, Liberty University
Author Note
.I have no known conflict of interest to disclose
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
:Email
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Philosopher Analysis Assignment: Thomas Aquinas
Annotated Journal Articles on Thomas Aquinas
Berry, J. A. (2023). Aquinas’s Understanding of Religion. Religions, 14(7), 855.
https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14070855
In this article, Berry explores Thomas Aquinas's conception of religion, focusing on his
integration of reason and faith in the understanding of religious practice. Aquinas views
religion as a virtue that falls under the broader category of justice, which means giving God
what is due—worship and reverence. The author explains how Aquinas believes that
religion is a natural part of human life because humans, as rational beings, are inclined
toward a relationship with God. The article also delves into Aquinas's argument that religion
is both a private and public obligation, addressing the individual's relationship with God and
the collective worship within society. In critically analyzing Berry's work, one could argue
that Aquinas's theory offers a framework that supports both personal devotion and societal
cohesion. This perspective aligns with the biblical worldview, particularly in passages like
Romans 12:1, which emphasizes offering oneself as "a living sacrifice" to God, blending
individual and communal worship. Furthermore, Aquinas’s view that religion involves an
intellectual pursuit of truth parallels modern educational practices that integrate faith and
reason, as discussed in Smith’s Windows into the History and Philosophy of Education
(2020). Berry's detailed exploration of Aquinas’s views provides valuable insights into the
ongoing relevance of Aquinas's religious philosophy in both theological and educational
contexts.
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Cavedon, M. P. (2023). Early stirrings of modern liberty in the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Politics and Religion, 16(4), 567–584. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1755048323000159
Cavedon's article investigates the presence of proto-modern concepts of liberty in the
political and religious thought of Thomas Aquinas. The author argues that while Aquinas
did not advocate for modern liberal democracy, his writings laid foundational ideas about
the nature of freedom, human dignity, and individual rights. Cavedon emphasizes Aquinas’s
belief that humans have a natural inclination toward truth and goodness, which requires a
certain degree of autonomy and liberty. The article also touches on Aquinas’s notion that
laws should guide people toward virtuous behavior but must not restrict the fundamental
freedom necessary for moral choice. Cavedon’s interpretation of Aquinas’s ideas on liberty
aligns with broader theological concepts about human free will. For example, Galatians 5:13
discusses using liberty responsibly: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only
use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh." This passage reflects Aquinas’s view that
freedom is meant to guide individuals toward the common good, not self-indulgence.
Additionally, Smith (2020) notes that Aquinas's educational philosophy, rooted in the
balance of freedom and moral guidance, is relevant to contemporary educational debates
about autonomy and authority in schools. Cavedon’s article successfully highlights the
nuanced ways in which Aquinas's thought anticipates modern discussions on liberty and
ethics.
Das Neves, J. C., & Vaccaro, A. (2013). Corporate Transparency: A Perspective from Thomas
Aquinas' Summa Theologiae. Journal of Business Ethics, 113(4), 639-648.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-013-1682-6
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Das Neves and Vaccaro explore how Aquinas's Summa Theologiae can inform modern
discussions on corporate transparency and ethics. They argue that Aquinas’s emphasis on
truth and justice provides a solid ethical framework for businesses to operate transparently
and responsibly. According to Aquinas, truth is not only a matter of avoiding lies but also
actively promoting honesty and integrity in all dealings. The authors apply these principles
to the corporate world, suggesting that companies should adopt transparent practices as part
of their social responsibility, ensuring they are held accountable to the public. This article
presents a fascinating application of Aquinas’s medieval philosophy to contemporary
business ethics. The emphasis on truth and justice in Aquinas’s thought aligns with biblical
principles like Proverbs 12:22: "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal
truly are his delight." The connection between personal virtue and corporate responsibility
highlighted by Das Neves and Vaccaro also resonates with modern discussions in education
about character development, as noted by Smith (2020). The article offers a valuable ethical
lens for understanding the role of transparency in both personal conduct and organizational
practices, bridging ancient philosophical ideas with modern-day challenges in the business
world.
Synthesis of Articles on Thomas Aquinas
The three articles on Thomas Aquinas converge on his profound influence on diverse
aspects of modern thought, including religion, liberty, and ethics, by grounding his philosophy in
the harmony of reason and faith. Berry (2023) emphasizes Aquinas’s integration of religion with
human reason, suggesting that worship and reverence are natural and intellectual pursuits, which
echoes Smith’s (2020) view of education as a pathway to truth. Cavedon (2023) discusses how
Aquinas’s ideas on human liberty prefigure modern discussions on autonomy and freedom,
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focusing on the responsible use of liberty to pursue goodness, a concept that aligns with biblical
teachings such as Galatians 5:13. Meanwhile, Das Neves and Vaccaro (2013) demonstrate
Aquinas's relevance in corporate ethics, proposing that his emphasis on truth and justice applies
to modern calls for transparency in business practices. Collectively, these articles underscore
how Aquinas’s philosophical synthesis continues to inform ethical, educational, and political
discourse, bridging ancient and modern worlds through the pursuit of truth and justice.
Preliminary Thesis Statement: Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy, particularly his integration of reason and faith, offers a
robust framework for addressing modern ethical dilemmas by emphasizing the virtues of truth,
justice, and individual liberty, all of which remain essential in contemporary discussions of
personal and corporate responsibility (Berry, 2023; Cavedon, 2023; Das Neves & Vaccaro,
2013).
The Emergence of the GFCF (Gluten-Free Casein-Free) Diet
Annotated Journal Articles on the Emergence of the GFCF Diet
Baspinar, B., & Yardimci, H. (2020). Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet for Autism Spectrum
Disorders: Can It Be Effective in Solving Behavioural and Gastrointestinal Problems?
Eurasian Journal of Medicine, 52(3), 292–297.
https://doi.org/10.5152/eurasianjmed.2020.19230
This article examines the potential effectiveness of the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet
in addressing behavioral and gastrointestinal issues in children with Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASD). The authors provide a thorough review of current research and clinical
evidence, exploring the relationship between ASD, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and food
sensitivities. Baspinar and Yardimci suggest that while some studies report improvement in
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ASD-related behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms with the GFCF diet, the evidence
remains inconsistent and inconclusive. They emphasize the importance of individualized
treatment approaches, considering that not all children with ASD benefit from the diet, and
point out the need for further research. A critical analysis of this article highlights the
cautious optimism the authors express toward the GFCF diet, while acknowledging its
limitations. From a biblical worldview, the idea of caring for the body as the temple of the
Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) resonates with the personalized approach advocated by
the authors, which prioritizes the health and well-being of each child. However, as Smith
(2020) emphasizes in Windows into the History and Philosophy of Education, educational
and therapeutic practices must be grounded in evidence-based methods. The uncertainty
surrounding the efficacy of the GFCF diet suggests that while it may be a helpful tool for
some, more rigorous research is needed before it can be widely adopted as a standard
intervention for ASD.
Lu, C., Rong, J., Fu, C., Wang, W., Xu, J., & Ju, X. D. (2022). Overall Rebalancing of Gut
Microbiota Is Key to Autism Intervention. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 862719.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.862719
In this article, Lu et al. explore the role of gut microbiota in the management of autism and
propose that rebalancing gut bacteria can serve as a key intervention for improving ASD
symptoms. The authors provide an in-depth analysis of the gut-brain axis, explaining how
disruptions in gut microbiota may contribute to both behavioral and cognitive impairments in
individuals with ASD. By reviewing various studies on probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary
changes, they argue that interventions targeting the gut can lead to improvements in both
gastrointestinal health and overall, ASD symptomatology. Critically, this article emphasizes
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a growing field of research that links gut health to neurological function, aligning with
emerging holistic approaches to health and education. The findings align with the broader
understanding of interconnectedness in child development, as discussed in Smith (2020),
where the integration of physical, cognitive, and emotional health is vital for effective
learning and development. From a biblical perspective, the focus on restoring balance within
the body echoes the biblical principle of stewardship over the body (1 Corinthians 10:31).
While promising, the study's reliance on early-stage research suggests a need for caution, as
large-scale clinical trials are still necessary to validate these approaches as standard
treatments.
Elder, J. H., Kreider, C. M., Schaefer, N. M., & de Laosa, M. B. (2015). A Review of Gluten-
and Casein-Free Diets for Treatment of Autism: 2005-2015. Nutrition and Dietary
Supplements, 7, 87-101. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDS.S74718This article provides a
comprehensive review of research conducted between 2005 and 2015 on the effectiveness of
gluten- and casein-free diets in treating symptoms of ASD. Elder and colleagues highlight
mixed results in the studies reviewed, noting that some individuals with ASD show
improvements in behavior, while others experience no significant change. The review
emphasizes the variability of response to the GFCF diet and discusses potential underlying
mechanisms, such as food sensitivities and gastrointestinal issues, that might explain why
some individuals respond positively to the diet. A critical analysis of this article reveals the
authors' balanced approach to the GFCF diet, which recognizes both its potential and its
limitations. The mixed results in research underscore the complexity of ASD and the
importance of individualized treatment plans. From a biblical worldview, this variability
highlights the unique design of each individual (Psalm 139:14), which suggests that no one-
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size-fits-all approach can be universally effective. Elder et al.’s review supports the need for
further research and careful consideration before adopting the GFCF diet as a standard
intervention. This aligns with Smith's (2020) perspective on education, which emphasizes
the need for evidence-based practices in supporting all learners.
Synthesis of Articles on the Emergence of the GFCF Diet
The research on the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet as a therapeutic intervention for
children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents a mix of findings. Baspinar and
Yardimci (2020) argue that the GFCF diet may alleviate behavioral and gastrointestinal issues in
some autistic individuals but stress the importance of tailored approaches based on each child's
needs. Lu et al. (2022) emphasize that rebalancing gut microbiota may be the key to addressing
autism-related symptoms, suggesting that dietary changes can play a crucial role in overall health
improvements. Elder et al. (2015) offer a comprehensive review of GFCF diet studies from 2005
to 2015, highlighting both promising results and limitations, particularly the need for more
rigorous, controlled studies to substantiate claims. Critically, these studies align with Smith’s
(2020) perspective on holistic education, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach
that integrates health, nutrition, and learning for children with special needs. Biblically, the
principle of stewardship over the body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) can support the ethical foundation
for exploring dietary interventions, underscoring the importance of nurturing children’s overall
well-being.
Preliminary Thesis Statement on the Emergence of the GFCF Diet
The historical development of dietary interventions for children with autism reflects a
multidisciplinary approach shaped by evolving scientific research, educational advocacy, and
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philosophical principles, illustrating the critical role of diverse expertise in addressing the needs
of children with autism (Das Neves & Vaccaro, 2013; Berry, 2023; Cavedon, 2023).
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References
King James Bible. (2024). The King James Version of The Bible: Holy Bible - The Illustrated
King James Version (Revised). Namaskar Book.
Smith, S. J. (2020). Windows into the History and Philosophy of Education. Kendall Hunt.
