This book introduces Augustine of Hippo and his influence on Christian theology. Part One works through all thirteen books of the Confessions, introducing the life and thought of the bishop of Hippo with commentary on frequent but brief quotations. The Confessions reveal Augustine’s major doctrinal concerns, some of them explicitly and thoroughly (such as the Manichees, Platonists, scripture), others implicitly (monasticism, Donatism, ministry), and some in passing (Trinity) or as a preview (Pelagians). Part Two sketches the medieval reception of the Augustinian theological legacy, not chronologically but topically, in the order of the concerns in the Confessions, such as original sin, St. Monica, medieval Manichees, monastic communities, new Donatists, Neo-Platonism, the introspective soul, symbolic scripture, the Trinity, and above all the recurring Pelagian controversies over free will and grace, election and predestination, that continued into the Reformation.

Here, in one volume, are two of the most influential works of Christian spirituality and philosophy: "The Confessions of St. Augustine" and "The Imitation of Christ." (Christian)

St. Augustine’s Confessions is one of the most important works in the history of literature and Christian thought. Written around 397, when Augustine was the Christian bishop of Hippo (in modern-day Algeria), the Confessions were designed both to spiritually educate those who already shared Augustine’s faith, and to convert those who did not. Augustine did this through the original maneuver of writing what is now recognized as being the first Western autobiography – letting readers share in his own experiences of youth, sin, and eventual conversion. The Confessions are a perfect example of using reasoning to subtly bring readers around to a particular point of view – with Augustine inviting them to accompany him on his own spiritual journey towards God so they could make their own conversion. Carefully structured, the Confessions run from describing the first 43 years of Augustine’s life in North Africa and Italy, to discussing the nature of memory, before moving on to analyzing the Bible itself. In order, the sections form a carefully structured argument, moving from the personal to the philosophical to the contemplative. In the hundreds of years since they were first published, theuy have persuaded hundreds of thousands of readers to recognize towards the same God that Augustine himself worshipped.

The Confessions of St. Augustine, Villanova Edition for Students and Faculty e-book is a multi-modal resource designed to supplement deeper reading with highlighting and notation and to engage students through audio, visual, and critical analysis. It includes standard features, such as highlighting, search, and notation, as well as custom elements, like a timeline, map, and art gallery. The audio reader enhances the reading experience, and critical commentaries, written by experts especially for this edition, aid student comprehension of key sections and concepts of the text. The Confessions of Saint Augustine is considered to be the greatest Christian classic. Augustine's notorious life before his baptism raised questions about the genuineness of his conversion. It is his honest struggle with the faith which has given The Confessions such timeless appeal over the last sixteen centuries. Augustine's Confessions is more than mere autobiography, for it is also an impassioned admission of past mistakes (confession at a level most might think of it) and praise of God (confession of another sort, that of love and awe). Given his checkered past, Augustine addressed the concerns of those who doubted the sincerity of his conversion to Christianity and his claim to the post of bishop of Hippo Regius in North Africa. Thus, the text, made up of 13 chapters called ”books,“ serves as an apologia (formal written defense) as well as a hortatory inspiration to others who have not yet converted. Influenced by the Christian approach to reading sacred text as the living Word of God (lectio divina), The Confessions also require a deeper reading than readers may be accustomed to. Lectio divina, rooted in monastic practices of the 4th century AD, is prayerful and approaches a text with a fourfold reading process: read, reflect/meditate, pray and rest in God's presence, and resolve to grow and change in this new understanding. Augustine's great work has impacted not only theology but also philosophy, especially in discussion of time and memory.

The T&T Clark Handbook of Political Theology is a comprehensive reference resource informed by serious theological scholarship in the three Abrahamic traditions. The engaging and original contributions within this collection represent the epitome of contemporary scholarship in theology, religion, philosophy, history, law, and political science, from leading scholars in their area of specialization. Comprised of five sections that illuminate the rise and relevance of political theology, this handbook begins with the birth of contemporary “political theology,” and is followed by discussions of historical resources and past examples of interaction between theology and politics from all three Abrahamic traditions. The third section surveys the leading figures and movements that have had an impact on the discipline of political theology in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries; and the contributors then build on previously discussed historical resources and methods to engage with contemporary issues and challenges, emphasizing interreligious dialogue, even while addressing concerns of relevance to a particular faith tradition. The volume concludes with three essays that look at the future of political theology from the perspective of each Abrahamic religion. Complete with select bibliographies for each topic, this companion features the most current overview of political theology that will reach a broader, global audience of students and scholars

A study of literary theory in Castile between 1400 and 1460.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also features glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. CliffsNotes on St. Augustine’s Confessions takes you on a story of conversion – actually several conversions: to Manichaeism; to the pursuit of truth; to an intellectual acceptance of Christianity; and finally to an emotional acceptance of Christian faith. The Confessions is in one sense Augustine’s personal story, but it is also a mythological work about humanity’s quest to discover true peace and satisfaction. Examine the many layers of this masterpiece with help from a study guide you can trust. You'll also gain insight into the background and influences of the author. Other features that help you study include Chapter by chapter summaries and commentaries Critical essays A review section that tests your knowledge A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.