Augustine

For many, all theology subsequent to Augustine is a footnote. He is influential, even today, because of his doctrinal formulations. Even more importantly, Augustine was a stimulating thinker and constant inquirer. Starting with his philosophical interest in Platonism, which set the framework for his thinking, Eugene TeSelle examines the major themes of Augustine’s thought following a more or less chronological order including human fulfillment, evil, creation, the human self, the church and its doctrines, the course of human history, and the relation of Christianity to political matters. Even those who think he may have been wrong in his conclusions can respect Augustine’s willingness to confront problems and think through their implications.