Category Archives: Catholicism

Free Gifts

Posted on June 26, 2017 by

Grace (Latin gratia; Greek charis) is a gift. A gift is something gratuitously bestowed. The giver is free to offer the gift; the receiver is free to accept or to reject it. If either the giver or the receiver is … Continue reading →

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Doing Our Part

Posted on June 25, 2017 by

Pelagians asserted that God would not command man to do “what was impossible for human volition.” To this, St. Augustine (354-430) in Book II of his treatise De Peccatorum meritis et remissione (On the Merits and Remission of Sins) replies: … Continue reading →

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Grace in Action

Posted on June 24, 2017 by

Pelagius (355-425) taught that we possess an inherent ability to overcome sin, perform good works, and merit our salvation; and he denied that divine grace is necessary for salvation. Pelagians believed that grace facilitates salvation, but that salvation does not … Continue reading →

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Charity and Lust

Posted on June 23, 2017 by

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) in Book Three of his treatise De doctrina Christiana (On Christian Doctrine) distinguishes between charity and lust: “I mean by charity that affection of the mind which aims at the enjoyment of God for His … Continue reading →

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The Universality and Inequality of Actual Grace

Posted on June 22, 2017 by

Father Geiermann concludes his discussion of the five properties of actual grace by elaborating upon the universality and inequality of actual grace. Concerning the universality of actual grace, he writes: “Grace is universal. God gives sufficient grace for salvation to … Continue reading →

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The Gratuity and Efficacy of Actual Grace

Posted on June 21, 2017 by

Father Geiermann continues his discussion of the five properties of actual grace. We have read his comments on the necessity of actual grace. Now we read of the gratuity and efficacy of actual grace. Concerning the gratuity of actual grace, … Continue reading →

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The Necessity of Actual Grace

Posted on June 20, 2017 by

Father Geiermann mentions five properties of actual grace: necessity, gratuity, efficacy, universality, and inequality. He says that actual grace is necessary for four reasons: First, “Man needs the light of grace to find the truth. Though he can learn many … Continue reading →

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