The Grace and the Holy Spirit in Christ (I)

Introduction to the Concepts of 13th Century Parisian Scholasticism

Abstract

The present article is the first of three dedicated to Spirit Christology in 13th century Parisian scholasticism, examined through the Summa attributed to Alexander of Hales and the texts of Bonaventure and Thomas Aquinas. The aim is to research the role of the Holy Spirit in the grace given to Jesus the man. In first place the critical motions posed to the classical setup are brought forth. Then some key concepts are introduced: the distinction between created and uncreated grace, the relationship between grace, divine missions and inhabitation. Finally, the genesis and the meaning of the threefold grace for Christ is shown: gratia unionis, ut homo singularis, capitis.