"Readers are treated to a lively defense of the doctrine of transubstantiation by which, with a robust theological realism, church teaching has sought to secure the mystery of Christ's Eucharistic presence. What is more, it turns out that this mystery lies at the very heart of the nature and task of theology which, as it seeks the innate intelligibility of revealed truth, must at times turn to metaphysics in order to transcend the world of human experience without leaving it behind. Aquinas on Transubstantiation provides a much-needed corrective to the post-metaphysical agnosticism that has lately enfeebled not just sacramental theology but the discipline of sacred theology itself. This is a magnificent book."
~Archbishop Augustine J. Di Noia, OP, Vatican City
"Guided in this book by Saint Thomas Aquinas, Reinhard Hütter admirably reveals the Eucharist, the noblest of sacraments, the ‘sacrament of sacraments,’ Christ himself. Hütter writes with the carefulness of an advanced scholar and the intimacy gained from a living faith. The reader will learn about the link between theological activity and Eucharistic doctrine, and how Thomistic philosophy helps us best perceive ‘Godhead here in hiding.’ The book incorporates the insights of modern theologians and the recent magisterium. The last chapter is a gem, showing how Thomistic philosophy leads to Eucharistic friendship, which is friendship with Christ."
~Dominic Langevin, OP, Dominican House of Studies, Washington, DC
" Aquinas on Transubstantiation is typical Hütter: earnest and insightful, showing a mastery of a wide range of literature in subjecting to close scrutiny an important teaching of the great saint. Even those who already know Aquinas on the Eucharist through their own textual study will benefit from this extended meditation on Eucharistic change, and the distinctive presence of Christ in this sacrament, and the salvific purpose of this sacrament, of this presence. The book is at the same time a recommendation and justification of a way of doing theology that is at once scriptural and traditional; philosophically astute; and, given the affirmation of transubstantiation at Trent, in accordance with magisterial teaching. Whatever one’s own theological proclivity, this book gives us all much to ponder."
~Joseph Wawrykow, University of Notre Dame
"In arguing for a specifically Thomistic intellectus fidei on the basis of Aristotelian principles, Hütter's arguments are both passionate and lucid. He also brings to the table an important number of often-forgotten authors from other languages. His mastery of these texts and the theological stakes are impressive. In short, the book has all the hallmarks of what one has come to from such a distinguished Thomist. Undoubtedly, many students and teachers will intellectually and spiritually profit from the book, not at least in a time when faith in the Real Presence is declining, and many are, due to circumstances, forced to revisit their active participation in the Eucharist."
~Thomist
