The Universal Way of Salvation in the Thought of Augustine - (T&t Clark Studies in Ressourcement Catholic Theology and Culture) by Thomas P Harmon

About the Book

"How does Christ's mediation affect the individual human being? And how does that effect on the individual human being's soul relate to the way of salvation that incorporates, in principle, all human beings? Harmon answers both questions by examining Augustine's narration of his own life, and his treatment of the universal way of salvation as it flows among men in society and as it flows through the individual both involve the reconciliation of elements divided by the effects of sin. The healing of divisions among human beings and within human beings, in the thought of Augustine, is effected by the same agency: the redemptive action of the Incarnate Word"--

Book Synopsis

This work examines Augustine's critique of his Roman predecessors to reveal key aspects of Christ's mediation of the universal way of salvation.Porphyry of Tyre had noticed that Christianity can make a claim that pagan religion and pagan philosophy cannot: that all types of human being can be saved through the one salvific action of Christ mediated sacramentally through the one Catholic Church.Augustine's response to Porphyry is grounded firmly on Christology, especially on what Augustine sees to be the unique act of Christ as mediator, based in turn on Christ's unique position as true God and true man, which in turn is capable of healing the whole man and, by healing the whole man, also healing each of the parts of the soul. Christ himself, as concretely universal, is capable of saving each and any type of human being, no matter which part of the soul rules within him, Augustine counters, which is not a claim his pagan interlocutors can replicate.

In addition to careful considerations of ancient authors like Plato, Cicero, Varro, and Porphyry, this book also ranges through Plutarch, Shakespeare, and contemporary political thinkers like Pierre Manent and Leo Strauss; scholars of religion such as Michael Bland Simmons, theologians such as Erik Peterson and Ernest L. Fortin, as well as well-known Augustine scholars such as James Wetzel, G.R. Evans, John Cavadini, Robert Dodaro, Mary Keys, Michael Foley, Rowan Williams, Oliver O'Donovan, John Rist, and many others.

Review Quotes

The Universal Way of Salvation in the Thought of Augustine sheds new light on an old distinction, that between the few and the many or the wise and the unwise. Thomas Harmon masterfully explores the writings of St. Augustine and discovers that although Augustine was well aware of the distinction and even influenced by it in the way that he categorized people, his Christian faith sought ways to minimize or transcend the gulf between the elite and hoi polloi, all in imitation of the Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ. This volume is well poised to become the definitive word on the subject.
Michael P. Foley, Baylor University, USA

About the Author

Thomas P. Harmon is Professor & Scanlan Foundation Chair in Theology, Directory of the MA in Evangelization & Culture and Associate Director of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.