The Life and Works of Gabriel Biel (1415-1495), German Scholastic Theologian

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the life, works, and theological contributions of Gabriel Biel (1415-1495), a pivotal figure in late medieval scholasticism whose influence extended into the early modern period, particularly during the Counter-Reformation. The text delves deeply into Biel's engagement with the intellectual currents of his time, including his synthesis of nominalism and scholasticism, and his defense of key Catholic doctrines, such as grace, justification, the sacraments, and the Church's mediatory role in salvation. The book traces Biel's ideas through the theological challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation, particularly in relation to his views on salvation as a cooperative effort between divine grace and human free will, and his defense of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Throughout the chapters, the book also explores Biel's influence on the development of Catholic thought during the Counter-Reformation and his lasting legacy in modern Catholic apologetics and theology. The analysis highlights Biel's contribution to the Church's responses to the rise of secularism, the Enlightenment, and Protestant critiques, positioning him as a theological bridge between medieval scholasticism and the evolving Catholic thought of the modern world. His influence is examined within the larger context of Catholic theological developments, from the Council of Trent to contemporary moral theology and the modern engagement with faith and reason. Ultimately, the book presents Biel as a significant figure in the history of Catholicism, whose theological legacy continues to inform discussions on grace, salvation, the sacraments, and the relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom.