The Theology of Hugh of St. Victor
An Interpretation

A comprehensive study which highlights the practical nature of Hugh of St. Victor's pioneering program of spiritual reformation.

Boyd Taylor Coolman (Author)

9781107612259, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 May 2013

258 pages, 1 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.38 kg

'If you are looking for a good, clear and attractive introduction to medieval thought, you could start with this book.' Theology

In the context of the early twelfth-century urbanization of Paris, Hugh of St Victor developed a pioneering program of intellectual and moral practices focused on reforming the soul. Boyd Taylor Coolman identifies the signature theme of spiritual re-formation as the unifying motif to Hugh's theology and analyzes the symbolic and aesthetic dimensions of re-formation conceived as 'soul-construction', in the manner of Gothic cathedrals being built at the time. This study places Hugh of St Victor within the context of the profound economic, political and cultural changes characteristic of the twelfth century. Drawing on the majority of Hugh's writings, it reveals links between various aspects of his theology - exegesis and spirituality; theology and cultivation of virtue - and highlights the practical nature of his reforming program, aimed both at restoring the beauty of the soul and re-forming the human person into a dwelling place for the presence of God.

Introduction: a theology of re-formation
Part I. 'Works of Foundation': Formation in Wisdom: 1. Creation as formation
2. Rational creation: formed by wisdom for beauty
3. Fall as de-formation
Part II. 'Works of Restoration': Re-Formation in Wisdom: 4. Christ
5. Church and sacraments
6. Scripture
Part III. Practices of Re-Formation: 7. Memorial practices
8. Meditative practices
9. Moral practices
Conclusion
Bibliography of editions of Hugh's works
Bibliography of secondary studies
Index.

Subject Areas: Christian theology [HRCM], Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC]