French Literature Reviews - 2026

Simon Icard, Le Jansénisme. Une théologie
Philosophy, Anthropology and Ideas

Does Jansenism simply merge with the Augustinian theology of grace, which the Catholic Church allegedly condemned without admitting it to itself? Is it merely a label designating disparate doctrines devoid of any unity? Is it fundamentally political, treating dogma as a secondary issue or even a mere pretext? Is it impossible to grasp outside the propositions used to condemn it?

Challenging the arguments that have questioned the legitimacy or relevance of a theological study of Jansenism, Simon Icard outlines a distinct, fundamental, and continuous doctrine championed by Jansenius and his disciples, such as Pascal. By examining their conception of the attribution of merits before and after original sin, he sheds light on the struggles of modern Catholicism in conceptualizing a joint endeavor between God and man that is simultaneously entirely divine and entirely human.

A researcher in the history of theology at CNRS, Simon Icard is a member of the Laboratory for Studies on Monotheism. He recently published with Éditions du Cerf, L’Apocalypse janséniste. Port-Royal et la défense de la vérité.

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An article discussing this book can be read on laviedesidees.fr :

Jansenism emerged in early modern Europe as a profound and controversial theological movement rooted in intense debates over grace, free will, and human agency. Centered heavily around the influential community of Port-Royal, the movement engaged deeply with the legacy of Saint Augustine and shaped generations of French religious and intellectual thought.

Readers interested in the history of modern Catholic theology may find this study relevant. Simon Icard outlines a distinct, fundamental, and continuous doctrine championed by Jansenius and his disciples, such as Pascal. By examining their conception of the attribution of merits before and after original sin, he sheds light on the struggles of modern Catholicism in conceptualizing a joint endeavor between God and man that is simultaneously entirely divine and entirely human.

"Is Saint Augustine a Jansenist?", by Aurélien Chukurian (published online on April 10, 2025).