The soteriology of Aquinas

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fnr

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Listening to a history of Christianity lecture series by a Reformed professor of Christian history, I heard him say that Aquinas believed that grace was something “earned.” Is that true? My understanding of Catholic soteriology is that God gives us sanctifying grace through our baptism, and that in sinning, we violate the relationship God offers us. It is only through removing the negative of sin that we reacquire sanctifying grace; I don’t think the modern church teaches that grace is something we earn. Can someone please clarify?

Thanks!
 
I think it comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of the merit system. Please read what the CCC says about merit.

Strictly speaking, we as humans merit nothing from God our creator. Everything we have is from the grace of God. But God chooses to give grace and punishment based on certain actions we do.
 
fnr said:
Listening to a history of Christianity lecture series by a Reformed professor of Christian history, I heard him say that Aquinas believed that grace was something “earned.” Is that true? My understanding of Catholic soteriology is that God gives us sanctifying grace through our baptism, and that in sinning, we violate the relationship God offers us. It is only through removing the negative of sin that we reacquire sanctifying grace; I don’t think the modern church teaches that grace is something we earn. Can someone please clarify?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Summa Theoligae, Part 2, Ques 114 ( Merit )

newadvent.org/summa/2114.htm

Linus2nd
 
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