On Christian Teaching (Oxford World's Classics) [Paperback]

St. Augustine (Author), R. P. H. Green (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 16, 1999

The De Doctrina Christiana ("On Christian Teaching") is one of Augustine's most important works on the classical tradition. Undertaken at the same time as the Confessions, it sheds light on the development of Augustine's thought, especially in the areas of ethics, hermeneutics, and sign-theory. This completely new translation gives a close but updated representation of Augustine's thought and expression, while a succinct introduction and select bibliography present the insights of recent research.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An interesting theoretical perspective giving balance to Augustine's more personal Confessions, and a welcome addition to the World's Classics series. On Christian Teaching is important in the history of biblical interpretation. Green's introduction (including a summary) and notes give a helpful background, including influences on St. Augustine's thought."--Stephen Bennett, Southern Nazarene University

About the Author

R. P. H. Green is Professor of Humanity (Latin) in the Dept. of Classics, University of Glasgow. He has published books on Augustine's contemporaries Paulinus of Nola and Ausonius.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (September 16, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192839284
• ISBN-13: 978-0192839282
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #561,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Augustine's Hermeneutics, March 6, 2006

By 

Stanford Gibson (Davis, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: On Christian Teaching (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

One author has said that Augustine can be "easier to read than many modern books about him." Nowhere in his writings have I found this to be more true than "On Christian Doctrine." This little text was so compelling that I literally could not put it down (though that may reveal more about me than it). It essentially outlines Augustine's program of Hermeneutics which often contrasts strongly with standard methods of the periods before and after him, while remaining reminiscent of both eras. Some particular points of interest:

-He insists that the author's intent should be the arbiter of meaning unless the text seems to be in contrast to what is clearly taught throughout scripture, at which point allegory is to be employed
-He suggests that mistaken interpretation of a particular passage is not too grievous an error as long as the interpretation remains true to the general testimony of Scripture
-He suggests that interpretation is difficult but that the best way to progress is to read and memorize as much of it as possible until it is intimately familiar
-There is a theologically interesting chapter in which he uses the passage about the bread as Christ's body as an example of the sort of passage that cannot be taken literally

A 1700 year old text obviously isn't going to work as a contemporary manual of interpretation, but for its value in historical theology, understanding the development of Biblical interpretation and insight into the mind of one of the Christianity's greatest pastoral minds this is well worth the money and 100 or so pages.

1 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Augustine, November 1, 2009

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M. Boswell - See all my reviews
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This review is from: On Christian Teaching (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

This is Augustine's classic text on the interpretation of scripture. Love is the answer, according to Augustine.