Introduction to Medieval Theology

The best introduction to medieval theology from the time of St Augustine to the 14th century, in an expanded edition.

Rik Van Nieuwenhove (Author)

9781108813341, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 March 2022

330 pages
22.5 x 15 x 2.4 cm, 0.59 kg

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Christian theology [HRCM], History of religion [HRAX], Western philosophy: Medieval & Renaissance, c 500 to c 1600 [HPCB], Medieval history [HBLC1], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB]