Sacraments Part 5a Recap of Medieval Developments

Professor Matthew Ogilvie


Summary

The video delves into the definition of a sacrament as a visible sign of God's grace, following Saint Peter Lombard's teachings. It distinguishes between sacraments and sacramentals, emphasizing the specific effects and conveyance of graces by sacraments. The concept of sacramentum tantum, res tantum, and sacramentum at rest is explained through the analogy of combustion with ethanol, underlining the importance of perceiving sacraments as both sign and reality. The discussion also emphasizes that sacraments derive their efficacy from the grace of Christ, irrespective of the minister's qualities, and stresses the significance of faith in the sacraments' effectiveness.


Recap on Sacraments in Medieval Theology

The chapter covers the definition of a sacrament according to Saint Peter Lombard, emphasizing that it is a sign of God's grace and bears the likeness of the grace it symbolizes.

Distinguishing Sacraments from Sacramentals

Discusses the distinction between the seven sacraments and sacramentals, highlighting that sacraments not only symbolize grace but also have specific effects and convey those graces.

Understanding Sign and Reality in Sacraments

Explains the medieval theological distinction between sacramentum tantum (only a sign), res tantum (only the reality), and sacramentum at rest (both sign and reality) using the example of combustion with ethanol.

Different Views on Sacraments as Sign or Reality

Explores the perspectives of theologians on sacraments as either just the sign (like smoke) or just the reality (like burning ethanol), highlighting the importance of understanding sacraments as both sign and reality.

Principle of Ex Opera Operato

Discusses the principle that sacraments work not due to the priest's powers but by the grace of Christ, emphasizing the importance of faith in the efficacy of sacraments regardless of the minister's qualities.


FAQ

Q: What is the definition of a sacrament according to Saint Peter Lombard?

A: A sacrament is defined as a sign of God's grace that bears the likeness of the grace it symbolizes.

Q: What is the distinction between the seven sacraments and sacramentals?

A: The distinction lies in the fact that sacraments not only symbolize grace but also have specific effects and convey those graces.

Q: Explain the medieval theological distinction between sacramentum tantum, res tantum, and sacramentum at rest with an example.

A: Sacramentum tantum represents only a sign, res tantum represents only the reality, and sacramentum at rest represents both sign and reality. An example used is combustion with ethanol.

Q: How do theologians view sacraments as either just the sign or just the reality?

A: Theologians explore perspectives where sacraments are seen as either just the sign (like smoke) or just the reality (like burning ethanol), stressing the importance of understanding sacraments as both a sign and reality.

Q: What is the principle regarding how sacraments work in relation to the priest's powers?

A: Sacraments work not due to the priest's powers but by the grace of Christ, underscoring the significance of faith in the efficacy of sacraments regardless of the minister's qualities.

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