Grace and Free Will in Patristic Biblical Interpretation

This book explores the intricate theological tension between divine grace and human free will as articulated by the Church Fathers in their biblical exegesis. Through a careful examination of key Patristic figures, including Augustine of Hippo, Origen, Irenaeus, and others, Michael Young analyzes how early Christian theologians navigated the complex relationship between God's sovereign grace and humanity's moral freedom. The book delves into the ways these thinkers interpreted biblical texts on salvation, original sin, and divine intervention, offering insights into how grace was understood as both a divine gift and a transformative power that required a free human response. By tracing the evolution of Patristic thought on grace and free will, the book reveals the foundational role these doctrines played in shaping Christian theology and their ongoing influence in later theological developments. Through this work, Young provides a comprehensive understanding of early Christian biblical interpretation, exploring its deep philosophical and theological underpinnings, and how they continue to resonate in contemporary discussions of grace, salvation, and human agency.