An Introduction to Medieval Theology
An Introduction to Medieval Theology
Medieval theology, in all its diversity, was radically theo-centric, Trinitarian, Scriptural and sacramental. It also operated with a profound view of human understanding (in terms of intellectus rather than mere ratio). In a post-modern climate, in which the modern views on 'autonomous reason' are increasingly being questioned, it may prove fruitful to re-engage with pre-modern thinkers who, obviously, did not share our modern and post-modern presuppositions. Their different perspective does not antiquate their thought, as some of the 'cultured despisers' of medieval thought might imagine. On the contrary, rather than rendering their views obsolete it makes them profoundly challenging and enriching for theology today. This book is more than a survey of key medieval thinkers (from Augustine to the late-medieval period); it is an invitation to think along with major theologians and explore how their thought can deeply challenge some of today's modern and post-modern key assumptions.
- Challenges some of the key presuppositions of today's modern and postmodern theology
- The reader is invited to think along with medieval authors and their radical theo-centric perspective
- Written in an accessible style, with brief descriptions of the historical context of the authors that are being discussed
Reviews & endorsements
'This short book covers a lot of territory. Van Nieuwenhove loves medieval theology and offers many of its riches to contemporary theological thinkers … has some clear and compelling explanations of complicated ideas … Van Nieuwenhove himself has brought such a disposition to this volume and readers open to his guidance as a way into further study in medieval theology will find themselves well served.' Anne Thayer, Sehepunkte
'For those who approach the complex and vast world of medieval theology, van Nieuwenhove's work constitutes an invaluable and well-crafted guide.' Lateranum
Product details
April 2012Paperback
9780521722322
308 pages
228 × 152 × 15 mm
0.5kg
1 b/w illus.
Temporarily unavailable - available from TBC
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-Dionysius
- Part II. Early Medieval Theologians:
- 4. Gregory the Great
- 5. John Scottus Eriugena
- 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. Peter Lombard and the systematisation of theology
- Part IV. The Thirteenth Century:
- 12. Introduction
- 13. Thomas Aquinas
- 14. Bonaventure
- 15. The Condemnations of 1277
- 16. John Duns Scotus
- Part V. The Fourteenth Century and Beyond:
- 17. Introduction
- 18. William of Ockham
- 19. Meister Eckhart
- 20. Jan van Ruusbroec and the Modern Devotion
- 21. Epilogue
- Bibliographical note
- Index.
