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Introduction to Medieval Theology

Introduction to Medieval Theology

Introduction to Medieval Theology

2nd Edition
Rik Van Nieuwenhove, University of Durham
March 2022
Available
Paperback
9781108813341

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    This classic book, now in a second, expanded edition, is an invitation to think along with major theologians and spiritual authors, men and women from the time of St Augustine to the end of the fourteenth century, who profoundly challenge our (post-)modern assumptions. Medieval theology was radically theocentric, Trinitarian, Scriptural, and sacramental, yet it also operated with a rich notion of human understanding. In a post-modern setting, when modern views on 'autonomous reason' are increasingly questioned, it is fruitful to re-engage with pre-modern thinkers who did not share our modern and post-modern presuppositions. Their different perspective does not antiquate their thought; on the contrary, it makes them profoundly challenging and enriching for theology today. This survey introduces readers to key theologians of the period and explores themes of the relationship between faith and reason; the mystery of the Trinity; soteriology; Christian love; and the transcendent thrust of medieval thought.

    • Presents the reader with a sustained argument about the nature of theology, human rationality, the relation between faith and reason, and between theology and philosophy
    • Gives both novices and experts in medieval theology a lucid account of medieval thought that is scholarly and accessible
    • Offers comprehensive coverage, with new chapters on Hildegard of Bingen, Mechthild of Magdeburg and Hadewijch, Robert Grosseteste, Roger Bacon, and Albert the Great, and an updated bibliography

    Product details

    March 2022
    Paperback
    9781108813341
    330 pages
    225 × 150 × 24 mm
    0.59kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • 1. Introduction
    • Part I. The Legacy of the Fathers:
    • 2. Augustine of Hippo
    • 3. Monks and scholars in the fifth and sixth centuries: John Cassian, Boethius and Pseudo-Dioysius
    • Part II. Early Medieval Theologians:
    • 4. Gregory the Great
    • 5. John Scottus Eriugena and the Carolingian renaissance
    • Part III. The Eleventh and Twelfth Centuries:
    • 6. Introduction: renewal in the eleventh and twelfth centuries
    • 7. Anselm of Canterbury
    • 8. Monks and scholars in the twelfth century: Peter Abelard, William of St. Thierry and Bernard of Clairvaux
    • 9. Hugh of St. Victor
    • 10. Richard of St. Victor
    • 11. Hildegard of Bingen
    • 12. Peter Lombard and the systematization of theology
    • Part IV. The Thirteenth Century:
    • 13. Introduction: Mendicant orders, universities and Islamic scholarship
    • 14. Two beguines: Mecthild of Magdeburg and Hadewijch of Antwerp
    • 15. Early Franciscan theology: Robert Grosseteste, Roger Bacon, and the Summa Halensis
    • 16. Bonaventure
    • 17. Albert the Great
    • 18. Thomas Aquinas
    • 19. The Condemnations of 1277
    • 20. John Duns Scotus
    • Part V. The Fourteenth Century and Beyond:
    • 21. Upheavals and pluralism in the fourteenth century
    • 22. William of Ockham
    • 23. Meister Eckhart
    • 24. Jan van Ruusbroec and the modern devotion
    • 25. Epilogue.
      Author
    • Rik Van Nieuwenhove , University of Durham

      Rik Van Nieuwenhove is Associate Professor of Medieval Theology at Durham University. He has authored many articles and books on medieval theology and spirituality, including: Thomas Aquinas and Contemplation (OUP, 2021), Jan van Ruusbroec. Mystical Theologian of the Trinity (IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2003), and co-edited The Theology of Thomas Aquinas (IN: University of Notre Dame, 2005) and Late Medieval Mysticism of the Low Countries (NJ: St Paulist Press, 2008).