Abstract

St. Augustine's Dilemma: Grace and Eternal Law in the Major Works of Augustine of Hippo traces the major theme of St. Augustine's thought through his major works, and especially focuses on the growing conflict between Augustine's understanding of Eternal Law which has its roots in his Neo-platonic philosophical tradition, and his understanding of Grace which grows out of his study of St. Paul's writings. As early as 396-7, Augustine is already wrestling with the problem, and this work shows that it has a major effect on his understanding of the means of salvation. Creswell traces the growing struggle through five periods of Augustine's life, and documents a growing dependence upon grace.