The Chapelstone Foundation (hereafter The Foundation) is animated by the fundamental conviction that one of the surest ways to promote the common good and the general welfare of all is to freely invite others to a consideration– a reconsideration– of some of the fundamental intellectual convictions that have shaped and continue to shape our common intellectual culture.
One of the principal architects of that heritage is the person of Thomas Aquinas, a thirteenth-century Dominican dedicated to the exploration of the integration of the Christian faith and human reason. His voluminous writings (several thousand pages in all) contribute to many of the most substantive questions human beings have faced through the centuries: the meaning of human life, the scope and limits of human liberty, the nature of our moral obligations to others, the role of human reason in the search for truth, the place of religious belief in human flourishing. Though perhaps the single most significant theologian of the Roman Catholic community, his influence extends well beyond the parameters of that single faith tradition, extending to both believers and non-believers alike.
Those who are inspired by his efforts and seek to enter into a further appropriation of his insights are called “Thomists,” and thus The Chapelstone Foundation is dedicated to the consideration and application of “Thomistic” principles to contemporary issues. The Foundation is dedicated to creating those circumstances in which men and women of good will may draw upon the intellectual insights of Thomas Aquinas himself as well as the intellectual patrimony he inspired through the centuries.
Though our roots have a historical lineage spanning centuries, these efforts are not principally historical in nature. They are not ordered to retrieving, motivated by some antiquarian predilection, ancient materials for their own sake. Rather, The Foundation is committed to the perennial value of the thought of Thomas and seeks to renew the capacity of this tradition to illuminate the fundamental issues of the day.
Nor should our efforts be interpreted as merely intellectual , as if our aim is the promotion of a certain perspective or outlook. The Foundation seeks to foster in others an appreciation for a way of life, not merely an attitude. The heritage inspired by Thomas Aquinas and his followers extends beyond the formation of the intellect, rather it seeks to develop the moral, aesthetic and religious capacities of the human person as well. Firmly rooted in the Catholic faith tradition, the Thomistic intellectual tradition reaches to the depths of human life in all its dimensions.
Thus our aim is chiefly educational and a great deal of our charitable efforts are directed toward traditional education venues and activities—academic symposia, research projects, publication projects and educational seminars. At the same time we recognize that the task of a well formed mind is not merely a matter of information, but formation and thus in addition to the more traditional, content driven exercises of the contemporary academy and broader intellectual circles, The Foundation seeks to support cultural, learning experiences as well—study circles, outdoor activities, the creative arts and home-based educational projects.
The Foundation is organized for the charitable and educational purpose to support and conduct research, educational projects, and cultural activities related to the consideration and application of Thomistic principles to contemporary issues.
To support and conduct research:
More specifically, The Foundation seeks to sponsor academic research on matters pertaining to Thomistic thought. It aims to sponsor directly through financial assistance conferences and/or seminars on subjects deemed relevant by the Board. In addition to independent academic initiatives, the Foundation aims to foster collaboration with and among academic institutions and other intellectual centers of learning, which share in its mission. Such collaborative partners may include, but not be limited to: The National Catholic Rural Life Conference; the Chesterton Society; the Jacques Maritain Society; local Catholic, Christian and public organizations.
In addition, The Foundation will provide financial assistance to qualified individuals who seek to produce publications in professional, academic journals or popular venues. Proposals will be reviewed and approved on the basis of their merit and their contributions to the mission of the organization.
Finally, because so much of the academic research on Thomistic thought, while valid, is no longer available due to lack of sufficient materials in print, The Foundation, in an effort to retrieve some of the best of the Thomistic tradition, seeks to secure the copyright permissions and reprint and promote texts in the Thomistic tradition which may assist in the application of Thomistic principles to practical and contemporary issues.
Support the Chapelstone Foundation
The Chapelstone Foundation is entirely supported by donations such as yours. Please consider supporting this effort. If you would like to contribute or want further information, contact:
The Chapelstone Foundation 1945 Jefferson Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105E-mail: chapelstone@mac.com
Our hopes are unlimited; our funding is not. Please consider making a donation to our project.
Green Thomism 