Luther's Doctrine of Justification in the Light of Thomas Aquinas' Doctrine of Justification: The Same Light or Different?

This thesis probes the question as to whether Martin Luther significantly differs from Thomas Aquinas, with respect to the doctrine of justification. The significance of a comparison between these two theologians concerning justification lies in the perception that they are both, in their respective traditions, representative of the Protestant and Catholic positions upon this subject. The Joint Declaration, signed in 1999 between Lutherans and Roman Catholics, indicates an almost unified modern confession on the doctrine of justification. The purpose of this thesis is to determine if the Protestant concern for justification is adequately addressed in such a “joint” confession. This is accomplished by: examining the background and relevant issues at stake; exploring Aquinas’ justification-related theology; comparing Luther’s doctrine of justification in relationship to both Aquinas’ and to that of the New Finnish Interpretation of Luther; making final conclusions. It concludes that Luther’s doctrine of justification differs significantly from Aquinas’.Master of Theology (ThM