The Order of Things: The Realism of the Principle of Finality is an exploration of the metaphysical principle, “Every agent acts for an end.” In the first part, Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange sets forth the basics of the Aristotelian metaphysics of teleology, defending its place as a central point of metaphysics. After defending its per se nota character, he summarizes a number of main corollaries to the principle, primarily within the perspective established by traditional Thomistic accounts of metaphysics, doing so in a way that is pedagogically sensitive yet speculatively profound. In the second half of The Order of Things, Garrigou-Lagrange gathers together a number of articles which he had written, each having some connection with themes concerning teleology. Thematically, the texts consider the finality and teleology of the human intellect and will, along with the way that the principle of finality sheds light on certain problems associated with the distinction between faith and reason. Finally, the text ends with an important essay on the principle of the mutual interdependence of causes, causae ad invicem sunt causae, sed in diverso genere.

Design Discourse in Abrahamic Traditions reconnects discussion of design arguments to its Jewish, Christian, and Muslim history. The ancient idea that there is evidence of purpose in nature remains one of the most debated topics in science and religion, but also one with great potential for inter-religious and interdisciplinary dialogue. This volume revitalizes current discussion by retrieving perspectives from the Abrahamic history of design arguments and engaging them with contemporary ideas. Beginning with the encounter ancient philosophy and creation beliefs, the book proceeds to delve deep into issues ranging from the nature of theological and teleological language to the implications of evolution and evil. This rich exploration showcases how, far from being irrelevant in a post-Humean, post-Darwinian world, design arguments continue to merit both popular-level and academic attention. The volume will be of particular interest to scholars working at the intersection of science and religion, philosophers of religion, and theologians.

Despite living in an “information age,” we are confronted by the clash of ideologies and a crisis of universal knowledge. The Church is not unaffected by the world’s weariness and similarly faces what Fr. Mauro Gagliardi describes as “the lack of truth, or perhaps better, the disinterest in it.” Today’s philosophical and doctrinal decline are the results of the loss of first principles and a relativistic view of doctrinal development. As Matthew Levering writes in the Foreword, this first-time English translation of Fr. Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange’s Le sens commun: La philosophie de l’être et les formules dogmatiques by the acclaimed translator Matthew Minerd “arrives at an auspicious time.” This book sees the great Dominican master address a variety of fundamental topics that we need to return to and relearn in our day: the relationship between common sense and both philosophy and faith; the proper defense for philosophical realism; the subordination and coordination of philosophical first principles; our natural capacity for knowing God’s existence; and, at length, the problem of dogmatic development. Although originally written during the Catholic Modernist crisis at the turn of the twentieth century, Thomistic Common Sense is no mere relic of past controversies. Jacques Maritain, for example, while reflecting on his formation as a Thomist, cited it as particularly influential. In our own time, this book serves as a foundational textbook of Thomistic philosophy, communicating its wisdom with clarity, power, and perennial resonance.

In On Divine Revelation—one of Garrigou-Lagrange’s most significant works, here available in English for the very first time—he offers a classic treatment of this foundational topic. It is an organized and thorough defense of both the rationality and supernaturality of divine revelation. He presents a careful yet stimulating account of the scientific character of theology, the nature of revelation itself, mystery, dogma, the grace of faith, the powers of human reason, false interpretations thereof (rationalism, naturalism, agnosticism, and pantheism), the motives of credibility, and much more. Though written a century ago, On Divine Revelation will restore confidence in theology as a distinct and unified science and return focus to the fundamental questions of the doctrine of revelation. It also serves as a salutary corrective to contemporary theology’s anthropocentrism and concern with what is relative in revelation and religious experience by reorienting our theological attention to what is most certain, central, and sure in our knowledge of divine revelation: the Triune God who has revealed his inner life and salvific will. Readers will see the great splendor of the gift of divine revelation: radiant with credibility before the gaze of reason and drawing our supernatural assent to the mysteries through the gift of faith. As Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. observes, “On Divine Revelation . . . is a stunning work of inestimable value. No other subsequent work on this topic has come close to meeting it (much less surpassing it).”

"Makes available new translations from French of works by the leading Thomists in the mid-20th-century debate surrounding ressourcement theologians in the Catholic Church. The articles were authored by Dominican Fathers Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, Michel Labourdette, Marie-Joseph Nicolas, and Raymond Bruckberger. The volume contains sixteen articles, thirteen of which have never appeared in English. All the major critical responses of the Dominican Thomists to the nouvelle théologie are here presented chronologically according to the primary debates carried on, respectively, in the journals Revue Thomiste and Angelicum. A lengthy introduction describes the unfolding of the entire debate, article by article, and explains and references the ressourcement interventions"--

Starting from our common experience of change, this book introduces the fundamental features of Aristotelian-Scholastic philosophy. After differentiating between the various types of change and motion, the author presents the concepts of act and potency, as well as form and matter. Further attention is given to the difference between substance and accident, and essence and existence. Finally, an overview of causality is given based on Aristotle’s doctrine of the four causes. This introductory course is aimed primarily at laypeople interested in philosophy and at high-school students beginning their studies of philosophy and the humanities. About the Author Rafael Hüntelmann, PhD is an author, publisher, and lecturer in philosophy. He is the co-editor of METAPHYSICA. International Journal for Ontology & Metaphysics. His most recent publications include Grundkurs Philosophie in six volumes, as well as the three-volume logic course Grundkurs klassische aristotelische Logik.

Understand the "why" behind Catholic morality. In Made by God, Made for God: Catholic Morality Explained, Catholics will find a fresh approach to the timeless moral teachings of the Catholic Church. Steeped in Scripture and Catholic tradition, this book reveals the beauty of Catholic morality in a relatable and easy-to-understand way. Often, Catholic morality is seen as a list of things we can't do. But what it actually presents is a way to live that brings us closer to God and makes our joy complete. Catholic morality is a roadmap that shows us the way of life God intended for us. Life is better when we follow God's plan! Made by God, Made for God presents the beauty of living life according to Church teaching, which the Church received from Christ, and it doesn't shy away from tough topics. Have you ever wondered how to explain the Sunday Mass obligation, why exactly we fast, or what the logic of Catholic sexual ethics is? This is the book for you. Read Made by God, Made for God to discover that Catholic morality is: Confusing Boring Complicated For theologians About a relationship with God Encouraging Steeped in Scripture Steeped in Catholic Tradition For everyone! "This eloquent and luminous book, inspired by the best spiritual and intellectual traditions of the Church, makes Catholic moral teaching accessible to all, in a universal language that preserves the fullness of the truth, and communicates it with warmth and humanity. It is highly to be recommended!" —Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. Rector Magnificus, Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas Rome, Italy "Matthew Minerd is a treasure and this book reflects it—filled with his delightful humor, his great joy in Christ, his penetrating insight into the full range of Christian mysteries, his philosophical precision, and his inability to write a boring sentence. Many books of moral theology read as though they aren't meant for living people, but this one is addressed to all who have ears to hear! Enchanted by the gift of new life in Christ, Minerd draws upon the Scriptures and the wisdom of the ages to instruct us in the joyful holiness to which we are all called." —Matthew Levering James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology Mundelein Seminary, Illinois "This book is a treasure! Dr. Minerd gives us wisdom that is deep, tried and true makes it immediately applicable to how we live today. He has read, synthesized, and integrated a tremendous amount of material from the best traditional Catholic sources and has brought it together for us in a way that is accessible to any Catholic who wants to understand Christian morality and live a life in Christ. Dr. Minerd also gives pathways for further exploration into the riches of our Catholic teaching tradition that can be followed by the more astute readers by introducing us to a structure of thinking and a vocabulary that gives us a framework for understanding the more traditional sources. And he does all this with a smile and a sense of humor that will win the heart even as he enlightens the mind of the reader. As a spiritual director, I highly recommend this book for anyone who is seeking to respond to God’s gift of communion and to live a new life in Christ." —Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. Director of Spiritual Formation and Director of the Institute for Ministry Formation Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, PA "Everyone wants to be happy. Happiness, however, is not easy to realize. One doesn’t become happy accidentally. The happy life must be intentionally sought and habitually practiced. In this book, Dr. Matthew Minerd provides his readers with a roadmap to happiness: a fresh and compelling explanation of why eternal truth, divine grace, and supernatural love are essential for human flourishing. With the loving earnestness of an evangelist and the clear precision of a philosopher, Dr. Minerd neither downplays the glories of grace nor shies away from difficult moral questions. All who are serious about being truly happy will want to read—and to re-read!—this book." —Fr. Cajetan Cuddy, O.P. Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception Dominican House of Studies, Washington, D.C. "Matthew Minerd’s Made by God, Made for God is a gem of a book. Here is a thoroughly Catholic work of theology, inspired by the Fathers of the Church, east and west, as well as St. Thomas Aquinas and Vatican II (and the pontificates following the Council). One comes away with a clear sense that the Christian moral life is an invitation to supernatural (and mystical) life with God—one which absorbs and includes the natural truths of reason and human flourishing, but which brings them to divine heights, sharing in the trinitarian life of God himself. I’ve definitely found my new textbook for Moral Theology—the joy and freedom of the Christian life are on full display!" —Andrew Swafford Associate Professor of Theology Benedictine College Atchison, Kansas "So many seem to think that the Catholic faith is all about being crushed under a burden of rules and regulations that are impossible to keep. This book shatters that misconception. It shows that following Jesus as a Catholic Christian is all about a new way of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, that makes us each day more life Jesus. A refreshing, encouraging, and enlightening read!" —Marcellino D’Ambrosio Author and Speaker Crossroads Initiative "Dr. Matthew Minerd fills a great need with this outstanding introduction to moral theology. Relying on Scripture and the broad Thomist tradition, this short volume provides a readable and organized treatment of the central elements that comprise the Christian life. Minerd grounds the study in the life of grace itself and then deftly moves though the theological virtues, natural law, and finally the cardinal virtues. Indeed, the virtue of this book is the lofty theological and spiritual synthesis that emerges to shine light on our high calling." —Jon Kirwin Assistant Professor of Theology and Director of Graduate Theology