Augustine was arguably the greatest early Christian philosopher. His teachings had a profound effect on Medieval scholarship, Renaissance humanism, and the religious controversies of both the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation. Here, Henry Chadwick places Augustine in his philosophical and religious context and traces the history of his influence on Western thought, both within and beyond the Christian tradition. A handy account to one of the greatest religious thinkers, this Very Short Introduction is both a useful guide for the one who seeks to know Augustine and a fine companion for the one who wishes to know him better.
About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.
ISBN-13: 9780192854520
Media Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Date: 06-07-2001
Pages: 144
Product Dimensions: 7.00(w) x 4.42(h) x 0.38(d)
Series: Very Short Introductions #38
Henry Chadwick (1920-2008) enjoyed international renown as one of the leading church historians of the twentieth century. He held senior appointments at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, latterly as Emeritus Regius Professor of Divinity, Cambridge. Chadwick's scholarship was complemented by his active involvement in church life. Ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1944, he developed a deep commitment to church unity and took a leading role in the Anglican and Roman Catholic dialogues of the mid-1970s.
Chadwick authored numerous books and articles throughout his career. At Oxford University Press he held series editorship of Oxford Early Christian Texts and Oxford Early Christian Studies, and co-edited the Oxford History of the Christian Church series with his brother, Professor Owen Chadwick. His acclaimed translation of Augustine's Confessions is available from Oxford World Classics.
What People are Saying About This
John J. Glanville
All the main thought elements of Augustine set in the attracively told narrative of a fascinating life.
—(John J. Glanville, San Francisco State University)
Robert I. Burns
The best brief introduction to Augustine's context and thought for the beginning undergraduate. Excellent for history, philosophy, and religion courses—clear, elegant, thorough.
—(Robert I. Burns, University of California, Los Angeles)
Table of Contents
List of illustrations
1. The formation of Augustine's mind: Cicero, Mani, Plato, Christ
2. Liberal arts
3. Free choice
4. A philosophical society
5. Vocation
6. Confessions
7. Unity and division
8. Creation and the Trinity
9. City of God
10. Nature and grace
Further reading
Index
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