“Augustine (354-430) was one of the great thinkers of all time.”[1] By common consent, he is also one of the most influential theologians in the history of Western Christianity. A theological, philosophical, rhetorical, literary, and psychological genius, Augustine has made a major contribution to Western civilization and, in recent centuries, to the entire world. To put it another way, as the cover illustration indicates, Augustine is a major pillar of Christian theology and of Western Civilization.
The following chapters constitute what might be called a selective introduction to his life, thought, and ongoing influence. Selective, because they do not discuss several of his major works, including The City of God, On the Trinity, and Tractates on the Gospel of John, as well as many others.
An introduction, because this volume does present the outlines of Augustine’s life, major teachings, and analyses of a few of his important writings: The Confessions, Handbook of Christian Doctrine (The Enchiridion), and parts of On Christian Teaching (de Doctrina Christiana).
If God wills, I hope to contribute more studies to this collection, on The City of God and on Augustine’s sermons on John’s Gospel.
So, this is a work in progress. I am issuing it now in order to make available to the reading public the results of my study of this seminal theologian so far.
My prayer is that God will use these pages to lead you into the enjoyment of the life and learning of a truly great soul.
G. Wright Doyle
[1] Colin Brown, Christianity and Western Thought. Volume I, 93.
Title:
Augustine: Theologian for Our Time
Snapshot:
A volume presenting the outlines of Augustine’s life, major teachings, and analyses of a few of his important writings.
Click here to read: