The T&T Clark Companion to Augustine and Modern Theology - (Bloomsbury Companions) by C C Pecknold & Tarmo Toom (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The T&T Clark Companion to Augustine and Modern Theology is both a theological companion to the study of Augustine, and a resource for thinking about Augustine's importance in modern theology. Each of the essays brings Augustinian depth to a broad range of contemporary theological concerns. The volume unveils cutting-edge Augustinian scholarship for a new generation and at the same time enables readers to see the timely significance of Augustine for today. Each of the essays not only introduces readers to key themes in the Augustinian corpus but also provides readers with fresh interpretations that are fully conversant with the theological problems facing the church in our world today. Designed as both a guide for students and a reference point for scholars, it will seek both to outline the frameworks of key Augustinian debates while at all times pushing forward fresh interpretative strategies concerning his thought.

Review Quotes

The time is right for this book. The renewed interest in the study of theology and in the thought of the early Church that followed the Second Vatican Council has reached a certain maturity. It is, therefore, a good moment to expand the reach of each discipline by deepening the conversation between them. This Companion to Augustine and Modern Theology claims that it will be "useful in the hands of students seeking to bring the wisdom of Augustine to their own theological labors." (p. 17) It is, I think, more than that. It will also challenge theologians to examine their agreements and differences with Augustine and learn to exploit the tensions they find there in productive ways. It will challenge those who study Augustine to show how the pastoral quality of his thought keeps his theology firmly engaged with the times and situations he faced. The collection of articles found in this book are a good beginning. They deal with central themes and significant historical figures in a way that ought to stimulate both further engagement and more publications.

There are plenty of guides to Augustine's thought; the world doesn't need another. This book is something different: a companion to the reception of that thought, and to its effects on the development of particular Christian doctrines and theologians. There's nothing like it in English, and since the standard of the individual contributions is uniformly high, it is essential reading for anyone interested in what makes the West Augustinian, or in the variety of Augustinianisms there are.

Trim and readable ... [This volume] present[s] several poignant, interesting, and teachable essays.
Augustiniana

About the Author

C.C. Pecknold is Associate Professor at the Catholic University of America, USA

Tarmo Toom is Associate Professor at the Catholic University of America, USA