St. Augustine: Life, Thought and Legacy

The course surveys the life, thought, and legacy of St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430). Particular attention will be given to a close reading of select texts and St. Augustine's relevance for personal spiritual growth and ministry in the contemporary church. The following themes will be discussed: North African Christianity; St. Augustine’s biography; Manicheism and the problem of evil; Donatism and the nature of the church; Pelagius, grace, and free will; Reading the Bible with St. Augustine; Creation, women, and the body; St. Augustine and the spiritual life; Trinitarian and Christological Thought; The two cities – history, politics, and the future of the world; St. Augustine as preacher and pastor; The legacy of St. Augustine. The course comprises lectures, class discussion, assigned readings, 3 short papers, and a final exam.