Outlines of Dogmatic Theology (3 vols.)
Overview
Sylvester Joseph Hunter’s famous 3-volume Outlines of Dogmatic Theology presents a complete course in dogmatic theology. First written to train priests for ministry—yet written in a manner accessible to the laity—this volume offers an accessible, readable, and informative introduction to Catholic dogma. Hunter ties together the various traditions and streams of theological discourse to provide a framework for understanding the church’s theology and dogma.
- Exegetical overview of key points in the life of Christ
- Includes expositional studies of each Roman Catholic Sacrament
- Logos editions allow for quick and easy document navigation
Top Highlights
“Actual Grace is a supernatural influence of God upon our soul, which God imparts by way of transient action, in order that the soul may do an act tending towards our supernatural end.” (Volume 3, Page 21)
“It is said that to set up the necessity of grace is to destroy free-will” (Volume 3, Page 33)
“‘The Bible, and the Bible only, is the religion of Protestants.’ This then is a fundamental part of their religion; that the whole of it is to be found in the Bible. It is therefore curious to remark that this principle itself is not found in the Bible; nor, in fact, is there any pretence for saying that it is found.” (Volume 1, Pages 118–119)
“The faith mentioned in Scripture is mainly an act of the intellect, whereas confidence belongs to the will” (Volume 3, Page 115)
“Preternatural.’ This word denotes what is beyond nature, but not above nature” (Volume 2, Page 369)
- Title: Outlines of Dogmatic Theology (3 vols.)
- Author: Sylvester Joseph Hunter
- Publisher: Benziger Brothers
- Volumes: 3
- Pages: 1,616
Sylvester Joseph Hunter (1829–1896), attended St. Paul’s School before enrolling at Trinity College, Cambridge. He graduated in 1852 and began practicing law, publishing two legal textbooks. In 1857, Hunter converted to Catholicism, following his two sisters into the church. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1861 and was ordained as a priest in 1870. Hunter quickly became a respected writer and scholar, earning a teaching post at Stonyhurst College. He also began training Jesuit priests in 1875, and was appointed as Rector of St. Beuno’s College. Sylvester Joseph Hunter died in 1896, only two years after the first edition of his 3-volume Outlines of Dogmatic Theology was published.