The Four-Point Hypothesis: Transpositions and Complications

Abstract

Drawing on the four Trinitarian relations, Bernard Lonergan has developed what has been called a four-point hypothesis which brings into a single perspective four distinct created participations in the divine nature, the Incarnation, the beatific vision, sanctifying grace, and the habit of charity. This article has three aims: (1) to explain the Thomistic origins of the hypothesis; (2) to transpose it into categories of meaning; and (3) to suggest extensions of the hypothesis into other theological topics. These are the indwelling of Christ in the believer, the Eucharist as the body of Christ, and the Church as the body of Christ.