Aquinas on Beatific Charity and the Problem of Love

Christopher J. Malloy is Associate Professor of Theology at The University of Dallas. He specializes in theological anthropology, Trinitarian theology, and ecclesiology. He has published one monograph and numerous articles in journals such as Freiburger Zeitschrift für philosophie und theologie, Josephinum, The Thomist, Nova et Vetera, and others. Malloy strives to disciple Thomas Aquinas, who sought to contemplate the real things. He grounds theological reflection in the sources of revelation and draws assistance from the perennial philosophy. He maintains a blog at TheologicalFlint.com.

In Aquinas on Beatific Charity and the Problem of Love, Chris Malloy tackles head on an apparent dilemma that has long tormented Western consciousness: Can I truly love God for Himself and above all created things if I search in Him my own happiness? His sound answer is based on a close analysis of St. Thomas Aquinas's texts, in constant dialogue with the best contemporary scholars. It illuminates the non-competitive conception of love for God and self-love in the light of the metaphysical doctrine of participation and in the context of the Thomist conception of the harmonious articulation between nature and grace. By focusing on charity in its glorious phase, Malloy opens a fresh perspective on an old problem." - Serge­Thomas Bonino, O.P., President of the Pontifical Academy of Saint Thomas"Christopher Malloy's study belongs to the highest level of contemporary scholarship concerning what Pierre Rousselot influentially describes as the problem of love. The problem concerns both the interpretation of medieval debates and the perennial importance of these debates for our understanding of charity. Professor Malloy is keenly aware of these two facets of the problem and handles them deftly. His analysis of Thomas Aquinas's theology of love engages the best of the secondary literature and outlines the contemporary interest of Aquinas's theology. The book is a welcome addition to scholarly debates on this problem." - Michael Sherwin, O.P., University of Fribourg"A worthy addition to this series! The topic of this book is important, and throughout Malloy is attentive to the key claims offered by Aquinas about love and charity, unpacking them in methodical fashion in the company of such stalwarts as Mansini, Sherwin, and Gallagher. Where need be Malloy, himself a systematic theologian, can engage as well in speculation, but he is, as is appropriate, unfailingly modest and reserved in thus moving the argument forward, always seeking to be faithful to Aquinas. Readers may well disagree with specific points of exegesis; but all will benefit from this sustained reflection about the compatibility of the 'love of beatitude' and the love of God above all things, for God's sake." - Joseph Wawrykow, University of Notre Dame