The Theology of Augustine: An Introductory Guide to His Most Important Works

by Matthew Levering

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2013

Overview

Most theology students realize that Augustine is tremendously influential in the Christian tradition as a whole, but they generally lack real knowledge of his writings. This volume introduces Augustine’s theology through seven of his most important works. Matthew Levering begins with a discussion of Augustine’s life and times and then provides a full survey of the argument of each work with bibliographical references for those who wish to research further. Written in clear, accessible language, this book offers an essential introduction to the major works of Augustine, from which anyone interested in church history will benefit.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Introduces Augustine’s theology through seven of his most important works
• Explains how Augustine’s teachings are relevant to current theological quandaries
• Provides key citations and references for further research and learning

Contents

• On Christian Doctrine
• Answer to Faustus, a Manichean
• Homilies on the First Epistle of John
• On the Predestination of the Saints
• Confessions
• City of God
• On the Trinity

Top Highlights

“Until the audience has understood, the preacher has not really ‘spoken.’ The best preaching will be not only direct but also eloquent, because a preacher should teach, delight, and move the audience.” (Pages 15–16)

“Since God is infinite spirit, we travel toward God not by spatial movement but by holy love” (Page 5)

“In general, therefore, God teaches humans through other humans” (Page 2)

“An evil will, instead of moving from created things to their Creator, occupies itself solely with created things” (Page 100)

“In On Christian Doctrine, therefore, Augustine offers an account of biblical interpretation and preaching. He organizes his study around love. Scripture, he argues, teaches us what and how to love. To become good interpreters, we must learn to recognize how the words of Scripture direct us to love of God and neighbor.” (Pages 1–2)

Praise for the Print Edition

Matthew Levering introduces Augustine through seven of his most important texts—a wonderful idea. Augustine shines out as one whose theology focuses on the central mystery of the Christian faith, God’s gracious drawing of humanity into the divine life through the work of the incarnate Word and the life-giving Spirit. Levering’s treatment beautifully complements existing introductions, providing a guide that should aid generations of students and inspire the interested lay reader.

—Lewis Ayres, Bede Chair in Catholic Theology, Durham University

The current reawakening of interest in Augustine’s theology has created a great need for an introduction that is elevated enough to be of interest to specialists and yet accessible enough to be read by students and readers from other disciplines. Levering’s study meets exactly that need. It points the way for those who are interested in how Augustine is relevant to our own theological quandaries, and it guides those who are just beginning to find their way in things Augustinian by helping them see theological themes as they are embodied in whole texts. An excellent contribution!

—John Cavadini, professor of theology, University of Notre Dame

Product Details

• Title: The Theology of Augustine: An Introductory Guide to His Most Important Works
• Author: Matthew Levering
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 224
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo
• ISBNs: 9781441249937, 9780801048487, 1441249931, 0801048486
• Resource ID: LLS:THGSTNNNTRDCTRY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T21:01:09Z

About Matthew Levering

Dr. Matthew Levering is James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary, and Co-Director of the Chicago Theological Initiative. He holds a B.A. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; M.T.S. from Duke University; and a Ph.D. from Boston College. He is the author or co-author of over thirty-five books including such works as Scripture and Metaphysics, Participatory Biblical Exegesis, Biblical Natural Law, Proofs of God, Aquinas’s Eschatological Ethics and the Virtue of Temperance, Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?, The Abuse of Conscience, and Reconfiguring Thomistic Christology. He is currently at work on a multi-volume dogmatics, whose first five volumes have appeared (most recently Engaging the Doctrine of Israel). He is the editor or co-editor of over twenty books including such works as The Oxford Handbook of Sacramental Theology, Aristotle in Aquinas’s Theology, and The Reception of Vatican II. He is the translator of Gilles Emery, O.P.’’s The Trinity. He co-edits two quarterly journals, Nova et Vetera and the International Journal of Systematic Theology. He is the past president (2021-22) of the Academy of Catholic Theology, and served as its founding Chair of the Board from 2007-2016. He has been a member of Evangelicals and Catholics Together since 2004. With Thomas Joseph White, O.P., he co-edits the Thomistic Ressourcement series for Catholic University of America Press. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the St. Paul Center, and he edits the Renewal within Tradition series for Emmaus Academic Press.