The Theology of Augustine

"Matthew Levering introduces Augustine through seven of his most important texts--a wonderful idea. Augustine shines out as one whose theology focuses on the central mystery of the Christian faith, God's gracious drawing of humanity into the divine life through the work of the incarnate Word and the life-giving Spirit. Levering's treatment beautifully complements existing introductions, providing a guide that should aid generations of students and inspire the interested lay reader."--Lewis Ayres, Durham University"The current reawakening of interest in Augustine's theology has created a great need for an introduction that is elevated enough to be of interest to specialists and yet accessible enough to be read by students and readers from other disciplines. Levering's study meets exactly that need. It points the way for those who are interested in how Augustine is relevant to our own theological quandaries, and it guides those who are just beginning to find their way in things Augustinian by helping them see theological themes as they are embodied in whole texts. An excellent contribution!"--John Cavadini, University of Notre Dame"Levering offers to students the best introduction to Augustine devised so far. He makes clear that Augustine himself was no 'Augustinian': even though he invented subjective angst and had an acute sense of sin, Augustine was also a humanist and a profound metaphysician. This book successfully inducts us into the bishop of Hippo's integral blend of soul-searching, critical reading of sacred texts, ontological reflection, and social activism."--John Milbank, University of Nottingham (emeritus)"Matthew Levering applies his characteristic clarity of exposition and acuity of analysis to seven major works of Augustine. The result wonderfully substantiates his introductory claim that 'Augustine speaks as powerfully today as he did sixteen hundred years ago.'"--Khaled Anatolios, University of Notre Dame