Judged by the Law of Freedom : A History of the Faith-Works Controversy, and a Resolution in the Thought of St. Thomas Aquinas

Judged by the Law of Freedom has received the Nihil Obstat and the Imprimatur from Bishop-elect David R. Choby, January 26, 2006. Judged by the Law of Freedom explores a paradox central to orthodox Christianity—the assertion that human beings are responsible for their own salvation yet inescapably dependent upon God for their deliverance. Christianity's attempt to maintain both these truths simultaneously has been a focal point of serious and recurrent tension throughout the Church's two thousand year history. Judged by the Law of Freedom proposes a resolution for this paradox founded upon the metaphysical apparatus offered by St. Thomas Aquinas. Divided into two parts, this book appeals to both the generalist and specialist. Part I offers a broad sense of the history of this paradox and the root metaphysical and theological issues at the heart of the conflict. Part II provides a more concentrated and detailed examination of the paradox by investigating selected texts from St. Thomas Aquinas. Bulzacchelli provides his own translations of these passages along with the original Latin versions, which are offered in the footnotes. Judged by the Law of Freedom is offered in service to the Church on matters of faith and morals and intended for upper-level college and graduate theology and philosophy students, as well as interested scholars and well-educated lay readers.