Augustine, Rahner, and Trinitarian Exegesis - (T&t Clark Studies in Systematic Theology) by Martin E Robinson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Through close and sustained analysis of Augustine's exegesis of Scripture, Robinson argues that Augustine's Trinitarian exegesis offers significant-though not inexhaustible-support for Rahner's Trinitarian project and, particularly, his Grundaxiom. Firstly, he posits that Augustine provides weighty, biblically rich, support for Rahner's Trinitarian agenda at exactly those points where Rahner is explicitly critical of Augustine and the "Augustinian-Western tradition", overcoming various weaknesses detected in the later tradition, and pre-empting many of Rahner's later solutions. Secondly and consequently, Robinson suggests that Augustine offers a scriptural reading strategy that addresses the major exegetical difficulties perceived to emerge from Rahner's Rule. Thus, in Augustine's exegesis of Scripture, the Augustinian-Western tradition has always had the resources at its disposal to avoid or address the most poignant criticisms levelled both by and at Rahner.

Review Quotes

Karl Rahner combined his inspiring theology of the Trinity with a determined critique of Augustine's conception and the Western tradition. Various researchers have pointed out in the past that Rahner's criticism is partly incorrect and that Rahner's conception itself raises difficult questions. Martin E. Robinson's book shows more thoroughly than any previous research that a close reading of Augustine, especially through his biblical exegesis, partly anticipated Rahner's ideas on the Trinity and partly helps to solve problems that Rahner did not solve. The book is written with great clarity and is strong in its argumentation. It is just as stimulating for Trinitarian theology as it is for research on Rahner and Augustine.
Roland Kany, LMU Munich, Germany

The renewal of trinitarian theology in the late twentieth century took place in a climate of Augustine-forgetfulness sometimes expressed as Augustine-antipathy. We have long needed a re-reading of that influential movement, but with a better understanding of Augustine's trinitarianism in play. Martin Robinson carries out this important task, and the result is illuminating, surprising, and significant for the ongoing work of trinitarian exegesis.
Fred Sanders, Biola University, USA

About the Author

Martin E. Robinson is Assistant Minister at Hope Anglican Church in Leppington, Australia.