Catholic University of America Press has just published a book by Steven J. Jensens, Sin. A Thomistic Psychology. The publication concerns Aquinas’ approach to the issue of sin and takes as its starting point Thomas’ assumption that human will always desires good. How is sin possible then? Is it only an intellectual blunder, mistaking evil for good, not a deviation of will? Jensen, after Aquinas, argues that at the heart of mortal sin there is always elevation of some created good to the position of an ultimate good – while in reality such status belongs to God alone. The author analyses also such issues as Aquinas’ understanding of the first cause of sin, three main types of sin, venial sins and omissions (table of contents and excerpt from the book may be found at Amazon).
Steven J. Jensen is a professor of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas (Houston), where he is also a director of the Center for Thomistic Studies. His main field of expertize is medieval philosophy, especially the thought of Thomas Aquinas (his ethics in particular), as well as issues related to the natural law and bioethics. He is an author of the following books on Aquinas’ moral theology: Good and Evil Actions. A Journey through Saint Thomas Aquinas (Catholic University of America Press 2010) and Living the Good Life. A Beginner’s Thomistic Ethics (Catholic University of America Press 2013)
At present the book is available at HFS Books (a distributor of academic publication); at Amazon it will be available from June 18th.