Augustinian System Of Grace - Vindicated From The Unjust Accusation Of The Errors Of Baius And Jansen - Giovanni Lorenzo Berti

This work presents Berti’s defense of the traditional Augustinian doctrine of grace against accusations that it is essentially identical to the teachings associated with Baius and Jansen. Written within the context of post-Tridentine theological controversy, it aims to clarify the authentic Augustinian position on grace, free will, and predestination.

Berti carefully distinguishes orthodox Augustinian theology from the condemned propositions attributed to Michael Baius and Cornelius Jansen. He argues that genuine Augustinian teaching affirms both the necessity of divine grace for salvation and the reality of human freedom, properly understood within the order of divine causality.

A central focus of the work is the nature of efficacious grace, its relationship to the human will, and the manner in which God’s providence governs salvation without negating moral responsibility. Berti defends the coherence of Augustinian theology by showing its continuity with patristic sources, especially Augustine of Hippo.

Throughout the volume, Berti employs a historical and systematic approach, combining theological analysis with careful interpretation of sources. The result is a structured vindication of Augustinian grace as a legitimate and orthodox tradition within Catholic theology, distinct from later controversial interpretations.