The Thomistic Institute Why We Need Grace | Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Nov 18, 2024
Fr. Thomas Joseph White, Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome, delves into the transformative power of grace in our lives. He discusses how grace heals our wounded nature and fosters a deeper relationship with God. Exploring the balance between sin and grace, he warns against presumption in confession and highlights the psychological complexities involved. Fr. White emphasizes the importance of a sacramental life in spiritual growth, illustrating that the journey is non-linear and requires continuous divine support.
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Necessity of Grace
- Thomas Aquinas discusses grace's necessity in Summa Theologiae's Prima Secundae.
- He argues for two reasons: healing wounded nature and elevating it to know God.
Two Extremes
- Aquinas avoids two extremes: Pelagianism (nature is self-sufficient) and extreme Augustinianism (nature is overly pessimistic).
- He believes nature is good but wounded, needing grace.
Intellect's Resilience
- Aquinas believes the human intellect remains functional even after the Fall.
- We can still learn truths about the world and even some things about God naturally.
