This is a major study of the life and writings of French philosopher Maurice Blondel, the main philosophical influence behind the so-called new theology in modern Catholicism. Dominican theologian and philosopher Nichols charts Blondel's thinking with an eye on its compatibility with the "school of Thomas", the classical philosophy and theology of the Church.

Nichols says that the case for Blondel’s departure from the mindset of the historical St. Thomas Aquinas has been overstated, and he proposes a convergence of Thomism and Blondelianism – or “new theology” - as a desirable consolidation of forces in the face of post-modern intellectual anarchy and radical theology in the Church today.

Nichols notes that ‘Thomists’ were among the severest Church critics of Blondel, and yet Blondel himself claimed to be, in the philosophical writings of his middle and later period, standing on the shoulders of Aquinas – and also of Augustine. 

He also notes that “while Blondel can be regarded as the ‘house-philosopher’ of the nouvelle théologie of which the prime representative is surely Henri de Lubac, Balthasar, the principal inspiration of the Communio school of post-Conciliar Catholic thought, went out of his way to name Maurice Blondel the ‘greatest Catholic philosopher of modern times’.”

Nichols says that, “By any reckoning, Blondel is a major figure of modern Catholicism, and this alone justifies a serious study of his life and work.  His was an intellect in love with God.  The evidence of his piety was early noted, and his devotion to Jesus Christ and the Catholic religion never faltered. It is not surprising that he is currently a candidate for raising to the altars of the Church.”

“A Philosopher in Provence is likely to be received as the definitive work on the thought of Maurice Blondel.  At the very least it will be regarded as a necessary companion volume to the works of the late Oliva Blanchette.  What Fr Aidan brings to this subject is a second-to-none knowledge of the social and intellectual history of twentieth century French Catholicism and the Dominican personalities who played such prominent roles in it.  For anyone interested in the history of contemporary Thomism and the philosophical backstory to the Communio theology of Henri de Lubac, this book is essential reading.  One of Fr Aidan's many significant conclusions is that Blondel's attitude to philosophy as practised by Christians amounts to saying that it should be autonomous [of revelation] but not separated, and as such, is a halfway house between the position of Etienne Gilson and that of the Louvain school of Thomism.”
—Professor Tracey Rowland, John Paul II Chair of Theology, University of Notre Dame (Australia), Member, Pontifical Academy of the Social Sciences

“Having already written about significant figures within both Thomism and the nouvelle théologie, Father Aidan Nichols now turns his attention to another towering figure within twentieth-century Christian thought: Maurice Blondel. Blondel’s impact on the questions and disputes of the previous century is difficult to overestimate. Although Blondel’s name is infrequently invoked today, his influence perdures in undeniable ways. And in this rigorous yet readable book, Father Nichols provides students of Catholic thought with an insightful account of Blondel’s philosophy and enduring influence. Whether they be philosophers or theologians, of Thomistic or Ressourcement persuasion, all readers will appreciate this timely volume.”
—Cajetan Cuddy, O.P., Dominican House of Studies, Washington, DC

"After the Council, the disciples of Blondel--led by Henri de Lubac and Hans Urs von Balthasar--did not fall into the religious liberalism to which many others fell.  This alone should tell us something, and Aidan Nichols shows why in this brilliant book.  With the renewal of Thomistic theology, there will be a temptation to re-fight the mid-twentieth-century battles that, on the one side, raised the cry of ahistorical extrinsicism, and, on the other side, the cry of modernist subjectivism.  Since the two sides adhere to doctrinal and moral orthodoxy, their internecine warfare would be a tragic boon to those who are their true opponents.  What is needed is allowance for legitimate diversity of philosophical and theological schools of thought.  Nichols's richly nuanced reading of Blondel's texts and philosophical development should make this allowance possible.  He introduces a Blondel whose thought and intentions can be appreciated even by those who disagree, while admirers of Blondel will admire him even more." 
—Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary  

Assessing the significance of the contentious figure of Maurice Blondel requires a penetration into the heart of his thought, which even his most enthusiastic supporters admit is not an easy thing to manage.  In this remarkably accessible book, Aidan Nichols has done just that, continuing his decades-long endeavor to open nouvelle théologie to the Thomists. Followers of both schools of thought are in his debt, for this book, written with clarity and sympathy for its subject, will deepen their understanding and appreciation of Blondel, a genial mind perfectly devoted to Christ.
—D.C. Schindler, Professor of Metaphysics and Anthropology at the John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C.

“It may be said that the defining fault line of 20th-century Catholic thought is the conflict between the advocates of the Nouvelle Theologie and its critics.  Regardless of which side the reader may place himself in relation to that fault line, intellectual integrity demands that both sides be properly understood.  Maurice Blondel is the bridge that one must cross in order to understand the Nouvelle Theologie.  Father Nichols gives the reader a careful, guided tour of Blondel’s work, a philosophical precursor to the Nouvelle Theologie.  Scholars seeking to be prepared for a rigorous assessment of this theological movement would do well to start with this book.”
—Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J., is the host of The Catholic Current, author Real Philosophy for Real People and Christendom Lost and Found

“For many decades now Fr. Aidan Nichols, OP. has distinguished himself as a scholar committed to both the Thomistic and Ressourcement theological traditions. And he has sought to demonstrate their deep affinity even as he deftly outlines their differences.  With the publication of this text on the life and thought of Maurice Blondel Nichols has outdone himself and produced a stunning exposition and analysis of the deep consonance between Blondel and the Tradition, while not glossing over some of Blondel’s more problematic positions.  This text is a must read for anyone interested in the dialogue between the Church and modernity.”
—Larry Chapp, DeSales University, retired