In this volume on the Sacraments, St. Robert Bellarmine follows the structure of the Council of Trent to present a precise and authoritative defense of Catholic sacramental theology against the errors of early Protestant reformers. In his treatise On the Sacraments in General, Bellarmine explains the nature and purpose of the Sacraments, examining their definition, matter and form, their divine institution, the distinction between Old Testament and New Testament rites, the conditions for validity, and the role and intention required of the minister. True to his customary method, he grounds each point first in Scripture, then in the consensus of the Fathers, offering penetrating exegesis and demonstrating the continuity of Catholic teaching upheld at Trent. He also exposes the contradictions of Luther, the misreadings of Calvin, and the flawed reasoning of Martin Chemnitz.
In Book II, Bellarmine turns to the effects and number of the Sacraments, as well as the legitimacy of the Church’s approved ceremonies. He shows, on the firm foundation of Scripture and the Fathers, that the Sacraments confer grace ex opere operato, clarifies the meaning of the term, and reveals how Protestant critics misunderstood it. He defends the Scholastics against Calvin and Chemnitz’s attacks, explains that this sacramental efficacy exists only in the New Testament, and demonstrates that the Church possesses the authority to institute new rites. He also provides a defense of the Latin liturgical tradition of the West, alongside Greek and Aramaic usage in the East.
In On Baptism and Confirmation, Bellarmine expounds the Church’s teaching on the regenerating power of Baptism, the reality and effects of Confirmation, and the testimony of Scripture and Tradition supporting both. He addresses the form and matter of Baptism, uncovers the internal inconsistencies within Protestant arguments, and reaffirms the necessity of Baptism for salvation against the doctrine of justification by faith alone. He further defends infant Baptism against Anabaptist claims and explains the distinction between the Baptism of Christ and that of John the Baptist. His treatment of Confirmation draws on apostolic practice and patristic witness to uphold its sacramental validity, effects, and ceremonies. Beyond engaging Calvin, Bellarmine offers a systematic refutation of Martin Chemnitz’s Examination of the Council of Trent on all matters pertaining to the Sacraments.
St. Francis de Sales famously testified to Bellarmine’s power and clarity: “For five years in Chablais, I preached with no books other than the Bible, and the Great Bellarmine.”
