Subject
Grace (Theology) Books
Best books
Joseph Pohle
Grace, Actual and Habitual: A Dogmatic Treatise
"Grace, Actual and Habitual: A Dogmatic Treatise" by Joseph Pohle is a theological work written in the early 20th century. This treatise explores the concepts of actual and habitual grace as understood within the Catholic tradition, with a focus on their definitions, properties, and implications for free will in relation to salvation. The author, a noted professor of dogmatic theology, aims to elucidate the nature of divine grace and its critical role in the justification and sanctification of individuals. The opening of this treatise introduces fundamental distinctions between two types of grace: actual grace, which is a transient supernatural help that enables a person to perform good works, and habitual grace, or sanctifying grace, which is an enduring state that renders individuals pleasing to God. Pohle outlines the necessity of grace for salvation, emphasizing its gratuitous nature, the universality of God's grace, and its relationship to human free will. He presents his argument within the framework of dogmatic theology, referencing early Church Fathers and theological systems to clarify the importance and effects of grace in human salvation and spiritual growth.
Catharine Esther Beecher
An Appeal to the People in Behalf of Their Rights as Authorized Interpreters of the Bible
"An Appeal to the People in Behalf of Their Rights as Authorized Interpreters of The Bible" by Catharine E. Beecher is a theological treatise written in the mid-19th century. The work engages in a critical examination of the Augustinian Theory of Original Sin and its implications on the moral sense of humanity. Beecher argues for the rights of individuals to interpret the Bible independently, asserting that common sense and personal inquiry can lead to a clearer understanding of religious truths. The opening of this volume presents a call to action for the people in the face of an impending religious crisis. It highlights the beliefs that have historically obscured the question of salvation, focusing on how the Augustinian Theory has been integrated into church doctrines and has led many astray from a moral understanding of God and humanity. Beecher emphasizes the need for a collective awakening among the populace to reject these outdated doctrines and engage with the Bible on their own terms, using principles of common sense to discern truth.
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