Overview

This text examines the arguments of certain strident, present-day critics of Augustine, responding to the more inaccurate and unfair of these criticisms and arguing in favour of some of the historical, philosophical and theological perspectives which lie behind Augustine's most unpopular convictions. It offers an insightful analysis of Augustine's thought and of critical responses to that thought. Augustine's writings have continually met with both kindly readers and frank critics and interest in his thought has not waned even in our own times. Contemporary philosophers, theologians, spiritual writers, cultural theorists and social scientists take him to task for a number of positions ranging from human sexuality and the body, gender, personal freedom, religious liberty and the ethics of force, to his concepts of the self and God. More often than not today, Augustine's outlook is characterised as ""pessimistic"", and he is charged with responsibility for a certain Christian malaise.

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9780415200622

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Reviews

'... [the book] makes for a fitting tribute to an excellent scholar.' - Augustine Casiday, Heythrop Journal 'The various authors of this collection have done justice both to the critics and to the bishop of Hippo. Gerald Bonner can be congratulated on such a token of honour.' - BMCR

'The essays probe the most fiercely and frequently criticized facets of Augustine's theology... [they] do more than survey what Augustine said or modern critics claim he said. They correct misconstrued and skewed judgements, and the best ones lay the groundwork for fresh new understandings and genuine advance.' - Journal of Early Christian Studies

Author Information

Robert Dodaro is Professor of Patristics at the Patristic Institute, the Augustinianum, in Rome. He is the co-editor of Augustine: Political Writings (2000). George Lawless is Professor of Historical Theology at the Patristic Institute, the Augustinianum, and Adjunct Professor at the Gregorian University, Rome. He is the author of Augustine of Hippo and his Monastic Rule (1987).

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