Augustine as Pastoral Theologian

3 credits

This course considers Augustine of Hippo (354-430) as a pastoral theologian by addressing the question of how he responds to the distinctive needs of the church and world of his time. After discussion of Augustine's historical, geographical, and social context, the course will examine his theology as animated by a developing ecclesial vision that sustains his ministry as a pastor. Major topics include: the development of Augustine's understanding of Scripture, its interpretation and communication; the development of his understanding of Church, both in his world and against an eschatological horizon; the very practical pastoral/spiritual care of Christians. Significant samples of his preaching and letter writing will be examined, not only as a place where his theology is generated, but also as an example of the dialogical and very concrete contexts in which his theology is lived out. Throughout the course an attempt will be made to develop an understanding of an Augustinian Spirituality that may be useful in todays context.