Donum superadditum - Donum supernaturale

A Latin expression meaning "a superadded gift of grace" donum superadditum is a general term referring to any gift given above and beyond what was already endowed. How it is used depends, naturally, on the context within which it is employed.

The expression appears frequently in scholastic theology, in which it refers specifically to the doctrine that Adam was given powers in addition to (hence, superadditum) the natural powers he possessed as a result of his creation; this is in order that he may be enable to maintain his righteousness and obey God's commands to him. When Adam sinned, therefore, what he lost was this donum superadditum. Roman Catholicism, taking up from there, maintains also that this donum superadditum is restored in baptism, so that a baptised person is restored to the condition in which Adam stood before his fall.

Non-Catholic theologians also use this term. Some theologians, e.g., believes that man's "likeness to God" was/is a donum superadditum given above his creaturely nature.

Jonathan Roberts, "Donum Superadditum & Donum Concreatum". Blog: A Mighty Fortress, 7 Mar 2015.
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