"This modern classic of Catholic systematic theology is to be warmly welcomed in the English-speaking world. At a time of considerable intellectual, theological, and spiritual disorientation and deracination, this deep but accessible synthesis of Catholic theology is a timely exercise in theological sanity and clarity and as such a resource for the sound integration of a profound theology with a deep spirituality. If the new evangelization is to have a proper theological grounding and a contemplative core that roots it in the identity and saving action of the Triune God, then this volume and its sequels are an indispensable part of it?required reading for bishops, priests, seminarians, and theologically interested laity."?Reinhard Hütter, author of Bound for Beatitude: A Thomistic Study in Eschatology and Ethics and Aquinas on Transubstantiation: The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist "This is the second installment in the English translation of Jean-Herve Nicolas's masterpiece of theological wisdom. All Catholic theologians today ? whatever their school of thought ? should embrace this work as a major constructive achievement of twentieth-century Catholicism. Like its predecessor volume, this book stands as an invaluable and enduring conduit of the theological tradition."?Matthew Levering, James N. Jr.

and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary "This work represents one of the most ambitious works of dogmatic theology since the Second Vatican Council: an attempt to render a modern articulation of the Catholic theological tradition in one overarching synthesis. Fr. Nicholas's work is fundamentally Thomistic, grounded in metaphysical reflection, and characterized by deep engagement with modern theological debates. In his treatment of the most sublime and central themes of Christian faith: Trinity, Christology, Creation, the Church, and Sacraments, he ponders the teaching of the Catholic tradition with theological depth and conceptual clarity. This book functions as an essential reference work for those pursuing Catholic theological formation and as an inspiration for those interested in the ongoing renewal of Thomistic theology."?Thomas Joseph White, OP , University Rector, Angelicum, Rome.