Course Description:
He is the most influential theologian in church history. His teachings have shaped the understanding of Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, and Barth. In this course, learners study a comprehensive introduction to St. Augustine: his life, his works, and his legacy in the medieval church. The course details his youth, conversion, literary works, and his important battles against the day's emerging heresies. Surveying Augustine's life as a pastor, teacher, and writer, students are encouraged to evaluate his contribution to the development of medieval theology and to apply those contributions to their own lives and ministries.
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Understand Augustine's unique place in the history of the church.
- Analyze the most important writings of Augustine.
- Synthesize the major theological contributions of Augustine.
- Explain the various theological battles Augustine faced in his work.
- Appreciate the value of historical theology as it relates to ministry, and apply lessons from Augustine to current ministry contexts.
Course Texts:
Brown, Peter. Augustine of Hippo. New ed. California: University of California Press, 2000.
Scott Carroll, ed. The Essential Augustine. 3 vols. Grand Rapids: Outreach Inc., 2000.
(Available only through ITS)
Students will also read from a selected bibliography.
