A Theology of Grace in Six Controversies

by Edward T. Oakes

Few topics in theology are as complex and multifaceted as over the course of centuries, many seemingly arbitrary distinctions and arcane debates have arisen around it. Edward Oakes, however, argues that all of these distinctions and debates are ultimately motivated by one central What are God’s intentions for the world?
 
In A Theology of Grace in Six Controversies Oakes examines issues relating to grace and points them back to that central question, illuminating and explaining what is really at stake in these debates. Maintaining that controversies clarify issues, especially those as convoluted as that of grace, Oakes works through six central debates on the topic, including sin and justification, evolution and original sin, and free will and predestination.

Genres: Theology, Catholic

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

Edward T. Oakes, S.J. teaches theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois and is the author of Pattern of Redemption: The Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar.

Reviews

[Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wide-ranging and thorough treatment of the theology of grace. Takes a solidly Christological approach to resolving some of the thorniest issues. Good footnotes pointing to further reading. The only substantial criticism I would make is of an occasionally hostile reading of St Augustine and too much enthusiasm for von Balthasar.

[Alvaro Adizon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could have been worthy of five stars. It gives an in-depth account of one of the most mysterious and controversial topics of Christianity: grace.

However, what gets in the way is the author's pretentious and heavy-handed English. He seems like a man who just discovered the thesaurus; like the over-eager amateur who exerts all energy to show himself an intellectual. A more prudent editor would have tempered such an unnecessarily verbose writing style.

I have never written a review for a book before but I had to write this one because the writing style pissed me off so much and I needed to vent it.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fascinating book looking at various “controversies” on grace, from a Catholic perspective. While some chapters were just OK, the chapter on nature and grace was very good.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful treatment of some historically divisive issues surrounding grace: nature and grace, sin and justification, evolution and original sin, predestination and free will, experience and divination, and finally, Mariology (a recipient of grace). I am especially grateful for the in depth way he interacts with the fathers as he works his way through the issues, as well as the way he draws on Christology to "solve" some of these thorny questions.

[Todd Putney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Controversies clarify, Oakes insists. Good work of showing how theological debates (fights) over the years have brought clarity but not so much understanding! Excellent book to study. Not an easy read.