Matthias Joseph Scheeben (1835-1888) was a German priest and scholar whose theology points to the inner coherence of the Christian faith and its supernatural mysteries. Notable in his own time, Scheeben later received praise from Pope Pius XI, who in 1935 encouraged study of the late theologian's works, reflecting: "The entire theology of Scheeben bears the stamp of a pious ascetical theology." Hans Urs von Balthasar credited Scheeben as "the greatest German theologian to date." Scheeben's works include Nature and Grace, The Mysteries of Christianity, and the unfinished Handbook of Catholic Dogmatics.

This volume presents for the first time in English one of the most extensive and nuanced presentations of the Catholic Church's classical doctrine of evil and sin. It is vintage Scheeben—an extensive and thorough ressourcement in the patristic, medieval, and post-Tridentine tradition combined with his own touch of synthetic genius. This work is an indispensable point of reference for contemporary ecumenical dialogue on the complex and con­troversial topic of original sin as well as for contemporary intra-Catholic reconsiderations of aspects of the doctrine of sin in general and particularly original sin. For a fruitful contemplation of Scheeben's profound thought on evil and sin, one might study this volume best in conjunction with the Handbook's Book Three, on creation and grace, in the German original published as one volume." - Reinhard HütterCatholic University of America"I doubt there is a theologian alive today who can match Matthias Scheeben in terms of the breadth of his erudition, knowledge of tradition, and sub­tlety of mind. In a world that has so often lost its sense of sin, the fourth book of Scheeben's Handbook of Catholic Dogmatics is an essential resource to help deepen our understanding of the traditional Catholic teaching on sin and its consequences. This book serves as a salutary reminder for each of us of the gravity of our actions, of the malice of which we are capable, and of the absolute necessity for each and every one of us of the healing and elevating grace of Christ." - David AugustineAssociate Editor of Word on Fire Academic"Scheeben's magisterial discussion of sin shows his gifts of dogmatic insight and synthesis in full flower. Sin is treated in full cosmic scope, as a rebellion among angels and humanity that wars against God's order and purposes. Original sin, the legacy of Adam's fall, is treated at length, but again in cosmic scope, and the volume turns inexorably back toward the angels, to the figure of the devil, and to the dominion of sin over humanity. In a manner typical of Scheeben, mystery is fundamental throughout this extraordinary treatment and, at its culmination, sin is a mystery of faith, but one known 'only through knowledge of its mysterious antithesis.'" - Lewis Ayres Durham University

• BOOK FOUR: Sin and the Kingdom of Sin as a Contradiction and a Combat against the Supernatural Order of the WorldCHAPTER ONE: Theory of sin, particularly in its relation to the supernatural orderEvil (malum) in general: nature, cause, and kindsConcept and nature of sin as an action, esp. concerning its theological aspect as an offense against God and an infringement of the supernatural orderThe two general fundamental forms of sin from the theological perspective: the difference between mortal sin and venial sin, and the different essential relation of each to sanctifying graceThe effects of actual sin in its subject: 1) the formal effects: stain and culpability, odiousness and merit of punishment in God’s sightThe effects of sin. Continuation. 2) The actual effects of sin: the corruptio or vitiatio boni naturae through the weakening of the natural disposition and the destruction of supernatural goodnessThe moral effects of sin. The punishments imposed by God, or the obligation to suffer punishment or the debt of punishmentThe survival of actual sin in habitual sin as an equivalent image of itself which it has generated, or as a constant state of indebtedness and blameworthy disorder; also the irreparable and perpetual character of this stateThe possibility and the origin of sin in general; specifically God’s attitude with regard to the possibility and the beginning of sinCHAPTER TWO: Sin and the kingdom of sin in its actual realizationSECTION ONE The realization of sin in the angelic worldFact, origin, and form of the sin of the angels as the sin par excellenceThe consequences of the angels’ sin: the immediate rejection of the angels by God and their obduracy in sin, as well as the stages of their punishmentThe continual battle of the fallen spirits against God to spread the kingdom of sin and to destroy the kingdom of God in mankindSECTION TWO Sin in mankindOriginal sin, or the first sin in mankind (peccatum originale = primum or originarium), considered in itself or as actual sin, and the divine judgment upon itThe specific consequences of original sin in our first parents. The worsening, corruption, and perversion of their nature (corruptio et vitiatio naturae) through the loss of the glory and justice of the original stateRelation of the change of nature for the worse as a result of the actual original sin to this sin itself, as a punishment for and an object of the fault contained in it, and the specific form of the habitual original sin (peccatum habituale originarium) existing thereby as sinfulness or injustice of human natureThe dogma about the universal significance and efficacy of the actual original sin as the principle of the general worsening and sinfulness of human nature, or about the universal inheritability of habitual original sin, or as peccatum originansThe universal significance and efficacy of the actual original sin established by the peculiar and unique character of the progenitor’s first sin as a total action of the human race through its genealogical headThe universal sinfulness of human nature considered in Adam’s real posterity, as a sin innate in them or inherited (peccatum originale originatum); 1) the existence and nature of it as a true and proper sinThe specific constitution of the nature of hereditary sin and the specific properties thereof resulting from itThe production and origination of hereditary sin in individual persons through the conduction of the sin of nature by means of generationThe specific punishments for hereditary sin or the captivity and servitude of sin established by ita. The captivity and servitude of the devil as the completion and summary of the effects of hereditary sin; corresponding to this, the dominion of the devil, as the prince of sin and of death, over human beings and external nature which is subject to him, and the most important forms of its operationb. Corollary and conclusion of the doctrine on sin; the mystery of sin in general and of hereditary sin in particular, or the mysterium iniquitatis as opposed to the mysterium gratiaeSelected BibliographyScripture IndexSubject and Persons Index

Matthias Joseph Scheeben (1835-1888) was a German priest and scholar whose theology points to the inner coherence of the Christian faith and its supernatural mysteries. Notable in his own time, Scheeben later received praise from Pope Pius XI, who in 1935 encouraged study of the late theologian's works, reflecting: "The entire theology of Scheeben bears the stamp of a pious ascetical theology." Hans Urs von Balthasar credited Scheeben as "the greatest German theologian to date." Scheeben's works include Nature and Grace, The Mysteries of Christianity, and the unfinished Handbook of Catholic Dogmatics.

This volume presents for the first time in English one of the most extensive and nuanced presentations of the Catholic Church's classical doctrine of evil and sin. It is vintage Scheeben—an extensive and thorough ressourcement in the patristic, medieval, and post-Tridentine tradition combined with his own touch of synthetic genius. This work is an indispensable point of reference for contemporary ecumenical dialogue on the complex and con­troversial topic of original sin as well as for contemporary intra-Catholic reconsiderations of aspects of the doctrine of sin in general and particularly original sin. For a fruitful contemplation of Scheeben's profound thought on evil and sin, one might study this volume best in conjunction with the Handbook's Book Three, on creation and grace, in the German original published as one volume." - Reinhard HütterCatholic University of America"I doubt there is a theologian alive today who can match Matthias Scheeben in terms of the breadth of his erudition, knowledge of tradition, and sub­tlety of mind. In a world that has so often lost its sense of sin, the fourth book of Scheeben's Handbook of Catholic Dogmatics is an essential resource to help deepen our understanding of the traditional Catholic teaching on sin and its consequences. This book serves as a salutary reminder for each of us of the gravity of our actions, of the malice of which we are capable, and of the absolute necessity for each and every one of us of the healing and elevating grace of Christ." - David AugustineAssociate Editor of Word on Fire Academic"Scheeben's magisterial discussion of sin shows his gifts of dogmatic insight and synthesis in full flower. Sin is treated in full cosmic scope, as a rebellion among angels and humanity that wars against God's order and purposes. Original sin, the legacy of Adam's fall, is treated at length, but again in cosmic scope, and the volume turns inexorably back toward the angels, to the figure of the devil, and to the dominion of sin over humanity. In a manner typical of Scheeben, mystery is fundamental throughout this extraordinary treatment and, at its culmination, sin is a mystery of faith, but one known 'only through knowledge of its mysterious antithesis.'" - Lewis Ayres Durham University

• BOOK FOUR: Sin and the Kingdom of Sin as a Contradiction and a Combat against the Supernatural Order of the WorldCHAPTER ONE: Theory of sin, particularly in its relation to the supernatural orderEvil (malum) in general: nature, cause, and kindsConcept and nature of sin as an action, esp. concerning its theological aspect as an offense against God and an infringement of the supernatural orderThe two general fundamental forms of sin from the theological perspective: the difference between mortal sin and venial sin, and the different essential relation of each to sanctifying graceThe effects of actual sin in its subject: 1) the formal effects: stain and culpability, odiousness and merit of punishment in God’s sightThe effects of sin. Continuation. 2) The actual effects of sin: the corruptio or vitiatio boni naturae through the weakening of the natural disposition and the destruction of supernatural goodnessThe moral effects of sin. The punishments imposed by God, or the obligation to suffer punishment or the debt of punishmentThe survival of actual sin in habitual sin as an equivalent image of itself which it has generated, or as a constant state of indebtedness and blameworthy disorder; also the irreparable and perpetual character of this stateThe possibility and the origin of sin in general; specifically God’s attitude with regard to the possibility and the beginning of sinCHAPTER TWO: Sin and the kingdom of sin in its actual realizationSECTION ONE The realization of sin in the angelic worldFact, origin, and form of the sin of the angels as the sin par excellenceThe consequences of the angels’ sin: the immediate rejection of the angels by God and their obduracy in sin, as well as the stages of their punishmentThe continual battle of the fallen spirits against God to spread the kingdom of sin and to destroy the kingdom of God in mankindSECTION TWO Sin in mankindOriginal sin, or the first sin in mankind (peccatum originale = primum or originarium), considered in itself or as actual sin, and the divine judgment upon itThe specific consequences of original sin in our first parents. The worsening, corruption, and perversion of their nature (corruptio et vitiatio naturae) through the loss of the glory and justice of the original stateRelation of the change of nature for the worse as a result of the actual original sin to this sin itself, as a punishment for and an object of the fault contained in it, and the specific form of the habitual original sin (peccatum habituale originarium) existing thereby as sinfulness or injustice of human natureThe dogma about the universal significance and efficacy of the actual original sin as the principle of the general worsening and sinfulness of human nature, or about the universal inheritability of habitual original sin, or as peccatum originansThe universal significance and efficacy of the actual original sin established by the peculiar and unique character of the progenitor’s first sin as a total action of the human race through its genealogical headThe universal sinfulness of human nature considered in Adam’s real posterity, as a sin innate in them or inherited (peccatum originale originatum); 1) the existence and nature of it as a true and proper sinThe specific constitution of the nature of hereditary sin and the specific properties thereof resulting from itThe production and origination of hereditary sin in individual persons through the conduction of the sin of nature by means of generationThe specific punishments for hereditary sin or the captivity and servitude of sin established by ita. The captivity and servitude of the devil as the completion and summary of the effects of hereditary sin; corresponding to this, the dominion of the devil, as the prince of sin and of death, over human beings and external nature which is subject to him, and the most important forms of its operationb. Corollary and conclusion of the doctrine on sin; the mystery of sin in general and of hereditary sin in particular, or the mysterium iniquitatis as opposed to the mysterium gratiaeSelected BibliographyScripture IndexSubject and Persons Index

Matthias Joseph Scheeben (1835-1888) was a German priest and scholar whose theology points to the inner coherence of the Christian faith and its supernatural mysteries. Notable in his own time, Scheeben later received praise from Pope Pius XI, who in 1935 encouraged study of the late theologian's works, reflecting: "The entire theology of Scheeben bears the stamp of a pious ascetical theology." Hans Urs von Balthasar credited Scheeben as "the greatest German theologian to date." Scheeben's works include Nature and Grace, The Mysteries of Christianity, and the unfinished Handbook of Catholic Dogmatics.

This volume presents for the first time in English one of the most extensive and nuanced presentations of the Catholic Church's classical doctrine of evil and sin. It is vintage Scheeben—an extensive and thorough ressourcement in the patristic, medieval, and post-Tridentine tradition combined with his own touch of synthetic genius. This work is an indispensable point of reference for contemporary ecumenical dialogue on the complex and con­troversial topic of original sin as well as for contemporary intra-Catholic reconsiderations of aspects of the doctrine of sin in general and particularly original sin. For a fruitful contemplation of Scheeben's profound thought on evil and sin, one might study this volume best in conjunction with the Handbook's Book Three, on creation and grace, in the German original published as one volume." - Reinhard HütterCatholic University of America"I doubt there is a theologian alive today who can match Matthias Scheeben in terms of the breadth of his erudition, knowledge of tradition, and sub­tlety of mind. In a world that has so often lost its sense of sin, the fourth book of Scheeben's Handbook of Catholic Dogmatics is an essential resource to help deepen our understanding of the traditional Catholic teaching on sin and its consequences. This book serves as a salutary reminder for each of us of the gravity of our actions, of the malice of which we are capable, and of the absolute necessity for each and every one of us of the healing and elevating grace of Christ." - David AugustineAssociate Editor of Word on Fire Academic"Scheeben's magisterial discussion of sin shows his gifts of dogmatic insight and synthesis in full flower. Sin is treated in full cosmic scope, as a rebellion among angels and humanity that wars against God's order and purposes. Original sin, the legacy of Adam's fall, is treated at length, but again in cosmic scope, and the volume turns inexorably back toward the angels, to the figure of the devil, and to the dominion of sin over humanity. In a manner typical of Scheeben, mystery is fundamental throughout this extraordinary treatment and, at its culmination, sin is a mystery of faith, but one known 'only through knowledge of its mysterious antithesis.'" - Lewis Ayres Durham University

• BOOK FOUR: Sin and the Kingdom of Sin as a Contradiction and a Combat against the Supernatural Order of the WorldCHAPTER ONE: Theory of sin, particularly in its relation to the supernatural orderEvil (malum) in general: nature, cause, and kindsConcept and nature of sin as an action, esp. concerning its theological aspect as an offense against God and an infringement of the supernatural orderThe two general fundamental forms of sin from the theological perspective: the difference between mortal sin and venial sin, and the different essential relation of each to sanctifying graceThe effects of actual sin in its subject: 1) the formal effects: stain and culpability, odiousness and merit of punishment in God’s sightThe effects of sin. Continuation. 2) The actual effects of sin: the corruptio or vitiatio boni naturae through the weakening of the natural disposition and the destruction of supernatural goodnessThe moral effects of sin. The punishments imposed by God, or the obligation to suffer punishment or the debt of punishmentThe survival of actual sin in habitual sin as an equivalent image of itself which it has generated, or as a constant state of indebtedness and blameworthy disorder; also the irreparable and perpetual character of this stateThe possibility and the origin of sin in general; specifically God’s attitude with regard to the possibility and the beginning of sinCHAPTER TWO: Sin and the kingdom of sin in its actual realizationSECTION ONE The realization of sin in the angelic worldFact, origin, and form of the sin of the angels as the sin par excellenceThe consequences of the angels’ sin: the immediate rejection of the angels by God and their obduracy in sin, as well as the stages of their punishmentThe continual battle of the fallen spirits against God to spread the kingdom of sin and to destroy the kingdom of God in mankindSECTION TWO Sin in mankindOriginal sin, or the first sin in mankind (peccatum originale = primum or originarium), considered in itself or as actual sin, and the divine judgment upon itThe specific consequences of original sin in our first parents. The worsening, corruption, and perversion of their nature (corruptio et vitiatio naturae) through the loss of the glory and justice of the original stateRelation of the change of nature for the worse as a result of the actual original sin to this sin itself, as a punishment for and an object of the fault contained in it, and the specific form of the habitual original sin (peccatum habituale originarium) existing thereby as sinfulness or injustice of human natureThe dogma about the universal significance and efficacy of the actual original sin as the principle of the general worsening and sinfulness of human nature, or about the universal inheritability of habitual original sin, or as peccatum originansThe universal significance and efficacy of the actual original sin established by the peculiar and unique character of the progenitor’s first sin as a total action of the human race through its genealogical headThe universal sinfulness of human nature considered in Adam’s real posterity, as a sin innate in them or inherited (peccatum originale originatum); 1) the existence and nature of it as a true and proper sinThe specific constitution of the nature of hereditary sin and the specific properties thereof resulting from itThe production and origination of hereditary sin in individual persons through the conduction of the sin of nature by means of generationThe specific punishments for hereditary sin or the captivity and servitude of sin established by ita. The captivity and servitude of the devil as the completion and summary of the effects of hereditary sin; corresponding to this, the dominion of the devil, as the prince of sin and of death, over human beings and external nature which is subject to him, and the most important forms of its operationb. Corollary and conclusion of the doctrine on sin; the mystery of sin in general and of hereditary sin in particular, or the mysterium iniquitatis as opposed to the mysterium gratiaeSelected BibliographyScripture IndexSubject and Persons Index