The human response to the divine gift in the Commentary on the Letter to the Romans by Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53439/stdfyt48.24.2021.171-194Keywords:
Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, gift, grace, Letter to the Romans, meritAbstract
The purpose of this article is to study the human response to the divine gift according to Thomas Aquinas’ and Martin Luther’s commentary on the Letter to the Romans. Although both authors take an anti-Pelagian stance, the Thomistic conception, by recognizing the positive value of the created order, understands with greater metaphysical depth the justifying and sanctifying action of God in the human creature. On the other hand, Luther’s more existential exegesis is particularly acute and incisive from this point of view. The commentary of Thomas Aquinas, in harmony with Pauline thought, also has a marked experiential and historical character which makes it particularly relevant. In both cases it is possible to deduce that the starting point of the exegesis is not an abstract reflection, but a personal and vital dialogue with the Apostle. The article will go deeper into the commentaries on Rom 5:5, a central passage in Augustine’s thought, whose influence is evident both in the exegesis of Thomas Aquinas and in that of Martin Luther. For this purpose, it will be inspired by recent reflections on the category of gift used to analyze divine grace, since this helps to highlight the difference between an extrinsic or forensic vision of justification and sanctification, which emphasizes the passiveness of the Christian regarding the unmerited gift received (Luther), and a salvation that transforms the Christian in order to respond to God’s love from love (Thomas Aquinas).
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