Augustine of Hippo strongly influenced western theology, but he has often been accused of over-emphasizing the unity of God to the detriment of the Trinity. In Augustine and the Trinity, Lewis Ayres offers a new treatment of this important figure, demonstrating how Augustine's writings offer one of the most sophisticated early theologies of the Trinity developed after the Council of Nicaea. Building on recent research, Ayres argues that Augustine was influenced by a wide variety of earlier Latin Christian traditions which (...) stressed the irreducibility of Father, Son and Spirit. Augustine combines these traditions with material from non-Christian Neoplatonists in a very personal synthesis. Ayres also argues that Augustine shaped a powerful account of Christian ascent toward understanding of, as well as participation in the divine life, one that begins in faith and models itself on Christ's humility. (shrink)

This collection is an exploration of the historical course and nature of early Christian theological traditions. The contributors reconsider classic themes and texts in the light of the existing traditions of interpretation. They offer critiques of early Christian ideas and texts and they consider the structure and origins of standard modern readings of these ideas and texts. Christian Origins provides a fresh and often ground-breaking analysis of the origins of Christian thought and offers a comprehensive and synchronic overview of the (...) development and influence of that thought. (shrink)

L'article montre comment la doctrine chrétienne devrait être enseignée en décrivant trois vertus que les théologiens de qualité devraient entretenir et chercher à enseigner. Cependant, on ne peut décrire ces vertus sans tenir compte d'abord de la pratique de la doctrine chrétienne elle-même. Pour en rendre compte on décrit la tension centrale de la doctrine: une tension qui provient du fait que la théologie emprunte ses principes à la révélation et donc ne les possède jamais. La pratique de la doctrine (...) prend donc forme en tant qu'attention à l'Ecriture et attention à toutes choses en tant que revabilia en relation à l'Ecriture. L'article en somme fait usage de St. Thomas, de Grégoire de Naziance et de St. Augustin en vue d'offrir un défi aux concepts modernes de théologie «systématiques» et «historiques», et donc à certaines conceptions modernes au sujet de la manière dont la doctrine chrétienne devrait être enseignée. (shrink)

The writings of the Church Fathers form a distinct body of literature that shaped the early church and built upon the doctrinal foundations of Christianity established within the New Testament. Christian literature in the period c.100–c.400 constitutes one of the most influential textual oeuvres of any religion. Written mainly in Greek, Latin and Syriac, Patristic literature emanated from all parts of the early Christian world and helped to extend its boundaries. The History offers a systematic account of that literature and (...) its setting. The works of individual writers in shaping the various genres of Christian literature is considered, alongside three general essays, covering distinct periods in the development of Christian literature, which survey the social, cultural and doctrinal context within which Christian literature arose and was used by Christians. This is a landmark reference book for scholars and students alike. (shrink)