General Principles of Sacramental Theology

by Roger W. Nutt, Roger W Nutt

Overview

General Principles of Sacramental Theology addresses a current lacuna in English-language theological literature. Bernard Leeming's highly respected book Principles of Sacramental Theology was published more than sixty years ago. Since that time, there has been a noted decrease, especially in English-language sacramental theology, in treatments of the basic topics and principles—such as the nature of the sacraments of signs, sacramental grace, sacramental character, sacramental causality, sacramental intention, the necessity and number of the sacraments, sacramental matter and form, inter alia—which apply to all of the sacraments.

Rather than deconstruct the Church's tradition, as many recent books on the sacraments do, Roger Nutt offers a vibrant presentation of these principles as a sound foundation for a renewed appreciation of each of the seven sacraments in the Christian life as the divinely willed means of communion and friendship between God and humanity. The sacraments bestow and nourish the personal communion with Jesus Christ that is the true source of human happiness. Recourse to the patrimony of Catholic wisdom, especially St. Thomas Aquinas, can help to highlight the sacraments and their significance within the plan of salvation.

This book will be of use in seminary, graduate, and undergraduate courses. It is further offered as a source of hope to all those seeking deeper intimacy with God amidst the confusion, alienation, and disappointment that accompanies life in a fallen world. The sacraments play an irreplaceable role in pursuing a Universal Call to Holiness that is so central to Vatican II's teaching.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813229386
Publisher:	The Catholic University of America Press
Publication date:	03/24/2017
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Roger W. Nutt is associate professor of theology at Ave Maria University, Florida

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

Part I Methodological and Doctrinal Considerations for a Theology of the Sacraments

1 The Sacraments as Theology: Wisdom and Theological Method 11

2 Sin, Redemption and the Sacramental Economy of Salvation: The Theological Foundations of the Seven Sacraments 22

Part II Understanding the Sacraments as Signs

3 The Nature of the Sacraments as Signs 49

4 Sacramental Matter and Form 66

5 Sacramental Intention 74

6 The Necessity of the Sacraments 88

Part III Sacramental Causality, Grace, and Character

7 Sacramental Causality 99

8 Sacramental Grace 138

9 Sacramental Character 151

10 Sacramentum Tantum, Res et Sacramentum, Res Tantum 166

11 The Institution and Authority of the Sacraments 175

Conclusion: Principles of a Sacramental Spirituality 185

Bibliography 193

Editorial Reviews

"Dr. Nutt has produced a scholarly yet pastoral work, explaining in a fresh light the essential features of the sacramental theology of Saint Thomas. General Principles of Sacramental Theology familiarizes students with Saint Thomas, while providing future priests with pastoral and spiritual insights regarding priestly identity and mission. Importantly for seminary formation and the priestly vocation, the work addresses sacramental character. Dr. Nutt explores the meaning of character and its role for the baptized, confirmed and those in Holy Orders. In an era during which priestly identity is reduced to function, the author recaptures the mediating role of the priest. Highly recommended for those charged with seminary formation." - Most Reverend Carlo Maria Viganò, Titular Archbishop of Ulpiana, Apostolic Nuncio"—

From the Publisher