The Complete Works Of Francisco Suárez - On Religion, Part I, Volume XIII - Francisco Suárez

This thirteenth volume of Suárez’s Complete Works presents his treatise On Religion, the first part of a systematic scholastic study of the virtue by which human beings render due worship to God. It continues his moral-theological project by examining how religion functions as a virtue within the structure of the Christian life.

The work begins by defining religion as a moral virtue ordered to the worship and service of God as first principle and ultimate end. Suárez carefully distinguishes religion from the theological virtues, showing it to be a virtue of justice that gives God what is owed to Him in honor and worship.

A significant portion is devoted to acts of religion, including prayer, adoration, sacrifice, vows, and oaths. Suárez analyzes these practices in detail, explaining their moral structure, conditions, and proper ordering within both personal devotion and public worship.

Throughout the volume, Suárez applies his characteristic precision and scholastic method, integrating moral philosophy with theological principles. The result is a structured account of religion as a virtue that orders human life toward the reverent acknowledgment of God’s supreme dominion.