Back to Aquinas Arguments

Dogmatic theology

Sacramental theology

Sacraments are instrumental causes of grace, with the Eucharist receiving special treatment through transubstantiation.

Guiding question

How can visible rites truly communicate invisible grace?

Why it matters

Aquinas's sacramental theology ties together Christology, causality, grace, ecclesial life, and worship.

The argumentative movement

  1. 1Human beings are bodily, so divine healing fittingly uses sensible signs.
  2. 2Sacraments signify grace and instrumentally cause what they signify by Christ's power.
  3. 3In the Eucharist, the substance of bread and wine is changed into Christ's body and blood while accidents remain.