Prof. Matthew Thomas explains why justification—God’s transformative act of making sinners righteous in Christ by grace through faith and incorporation into the Church—is, for Aquinas, greater even than creation, and explores how Catholic teaching on faith, works, and grace can address Reformation-era controversies and open paths toward Protestant–Catholic reconciliation.

This lecture was given on April 6th, 2025, at Stanford University.

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About the Speakers:

Dr. Matthew J. Thomas is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology Department Chair at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, CA. His research areas include Pauline theology, patristics (particularly the ante-Nicene period), and early Christian interpretation of Scripture. His writings include Paul's 'Works of the Law' in the Perspective of Second Century Reception, Christian Theology: An Introduction with Alister McGrath, "Justification" in the St. Andrews Encyclopedia of Theology, and the 1 and 2 Maccabees commentaries in the Ignatius Study Bible with his wife Leeanne.

Keywords: Augustinian Theology Of Grace, Catholic–Protestant Dialogue, C. S. Lewis Mere Christianity, Divine–Human Causality, Justification By Grace Through Faith, Martin Luther On Justification, Primary And Secondary Causality, Union With Christ, Works Of The Law In Paul, Summa Theologiae On Justification

'The greatest of all God's works': Justification in Catholic Theology – Prof. Matthew Thomas

The Thomistic Institute