Stump is an American philosopher specialising in philosophy of religion, metaphysics, and medieval philosophy. She is best known for her work on Aquinas, theodicy, and the philosophy of divine atemporality.
In her work on theodicy, Stump addresses the problem of evil and the challenge of reconciling the existence of God with the presence of evil in the world. She developed the theory of the “theodicy of God’s love,” which argues that God’s love for human beings is the reason He permits suffering. According to Stump, pain and suffering can serve as instruments for spiritual refinement and moral growth, and can also strengthen the relationship between God and the individual.
Stump has also contributed significantly to discussions on God’s atemporality, exploring how the idea of a God “outside of time” can be reconciled with Christian theology and contemporary philosophy. She has published numerous articles and books on medieval philosophy and Aquinas, including her monograph Aquinas (2003), which provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of his thought.