Le De gratia noui Testamenti (= epistula 140), lettre-traité composée par l’évêque d’Hippone au début de l’année 412, présente la pensée d’Augustin sur les rapports entre grâce divine et liberté humaine d’une manière remarquablement synthétique – en raison de ses circonstances de rédaction tout d’abord, qui le placent à la croisée de polémiques très diverses, et de son originalité littéraire, qui le rattache simultanément à plusieurs genres. Cette thèse comporte trois parties. Nous proposons tout d’abord une introduction au traité, afin d’en présenter les principaux aspects – dont les problèmes historiques qu’il pose, les questions littéraires qu’il soulève et les aperçus qu’il offre sur la pensée d’Augustin. Nous en avons ensuite, à partir d’une étude de sa tradition manuscrite, établi l’édition (qui corrige celle du CSEL, datant du début du XXe siècle) et la traduction. Enfin, notre commentaire s’attache à éclairer les passages problématiques de la lettre, pour en dégager les principaux intérêts historiques, littéraires et théologiques. / The De gratia noui Testamenti (= epistula 140), which is both a treatise and a letter composed by the Bishop of Hippo Regius at the beginning of year 412, presents Augustine’s thoughts on the connections between divine grace and human freedom in a remarkably synthetic way, first because of the circumstances in which it was written, which place it at the junction of very different debates, and secondly because of its originality on a literary point of view, which links it to several genres. This thesis comprises three parts. First, we propose an introduction to the treatise, which presents its main aspects – among which, the historical problems it poses, the literary questions it raises and the insight it offers into Augustine’s way of thinking. Then we have established the edition (which corrects that of the CSEL, which dates from the beginning of the 20th century) and the translation from a study of its manuscript tradition. Finally, our commentary strives to enlighten the debatable passages of the epistle in order to highlight its main historical, literary and philosophical interests.

This dissertation considers the possibility that, flowing from his broader theological framework and historical background, John Calvin’s eucharistic theology ‘re-invents’ a doctrine where the ‘substance’ (meaning) of the elements becomes the body and blood of Christ, and the believer who receives them is drawn, through understanding, into participation in Christ. The study begins with the historical setting and the second chapter sketches Calvin’s life. Chapter 3 considers epistemology and the impact of classical rhetoric on Calvin’s approach to knowledge. The following chapter considers Calvin’s understanding of our relationship with the Father, and of Christ as Mediator and as means of salvation. Chapter 5 considers the work of the Spirit in nurturing faith, a ‘higher knowledge’, through preparing us for knowledge of Christ and mediating our understanding of and participation in him. In this manner the Spirit acts as an instrument of revelation to enable us to participate in Christ. Chapters 6 and 7 move to consider Calvin’s writing on the Sacraments, their nature as sign and seals of the promise made in Christ, their substance and their role in our participation in Christ and, in the light of the duplex gratia, as gateways to participation. In Chapter 8 Calvin’s teaching is examined in terms of his opposition to the doctrine of transubstantiation, and his understanding of substance is considered. The possibility that Calvin ‘re-invents’ the doctrine is proposed. This is not to suggest that there is a conscious copying of the doctrine, but that through the process of forming his doctrine, using an alternate philosophical framework, Calvin’s understanding bears significant similarities to the doctrine he so deeply opposed. His key opposition to transubstantiation can then be seen to be to the materialist interpretations that impede the ability of the believer to lift his attention beyond the physical elements to the divine offer they represent. The study concludes by briefly considering the significance of Calvin’s ‘reinvention’ for contemporary understandings.