Grace, human agency and divine foreknowledge in Jerome

The paper focuses on the theme of divine grace, human agency and divine foreknowledge in Jerome. In his ascetic writings, Jerome praises virginity as a  special gift having two aspects: it demands a  special effort exceeding ordinary duties and it promises a special reward. People are not given the same measure of divine grace. There is no injustice because effort of one's will is more relevant than human deeds. Divine foreknowledge does not restrain human freedom because God does not determine what will happen but only foreknows it. Human nature is weak and fragile, unable to avoid sinning continuously. However, free will is indispensable for any morally good agency; necessity excludes merit. In every morally good action, one has to will and strive, and God strengthens the effort and brings it to completion. What is not quite clear is how to reconcile Jerome's claim about inability of human will to avoid sinning with his optimistic view of initium voluntatis.

Keywords: Jerome Saint; Grace; Human Agency; Divine foreknowledge