Lying: An Augustinian Theology of Duplicity [Paperback]

Paul J. Griffiths (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

Most people would agree that compulsive lying is a "sickness." In his provocative Lying, Paul Griffiths suggests that consistent truth telling might evoke a similar response. After all, isn't unremitting honesty often associated with stupidity, insanity, and fanatical sainthood? Drawing from Augustine's writings, and contrasting them with the work of other Christian and non-Christian thinkers, Griffiths deals with the two great questions concerning lying: What is it to lie? When, if ever, should or may a lie be told? Examining Augustine's answers to these questions, Griffiths grapples with the difficulty of those answers while rendering them more accessible. With rhetorical savvy Augustine himself would applaud, Griffiths aims to "seduce" rather than argue his readers into agreement with Augustine. Augustine's historically significant, characteristically Christian, and undeniably radical thoughts on lying ignite Griffiths's searching discussion of this challenging and crucial topic. Marvelously erudite and energetic, Lying will draw Augustine enthusiasts, students of ethics, and anyone who is committed to living a more honest life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul J. Griffiths is the Schmitt Chair of Catholic studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He is the author of many books, including Christianity through Non-Christian Eyes and An Apology for Apologetics: A Study in the Logic of Interreligious Dialogue.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Brazos Press (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158743086X
• ISBN-13: 978-1587430862
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,822,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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20 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Gospel Truth, October 24, 2007

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George R Dekle "Bob Dekle" (Lake City, FL United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Lying: An Augustinian Theology of Duplicity (Paperback)

St. Augustine: It is always wrong to lie no matter what the circumstances. If the truth will hurt, remain silent. It is, however, perfectly okay to mislead with artfully stated truth.

Student: How's that again? I can mislead people without sinning if I'm a good enough wordsmith?

St. Augustine: Abraham told King Abimilech that Sarah was his sister and thereby deceived the king into believing that Sarah was not his wife. Abraham was too saintly to lie, so that can't be a lie.

Student: But Abraham WAS married to Sarah. Abraham lied.

St. Augustine: But Sarah was Abraham's sister, too, so he told the truth. He just didn't tell Abimilech the whole truth.

Student: My mother used to tell me that a half truth was a whole lie.

St. Augustine: No, no. A half truth may be deceptive, but it certainly isn't a lie. In order to lie, you must make false statements with intent to deceive.

Student: I've got some oceanfront property in Arizona that I'd like to talk to you about.

St. Augustine: You're lying. Arizona is land locked.

Student: No, I'm not, I didn't say when the property was on the oceanfront. Arizona used to border on the Gulf of Mexico. You know, you've got a funny way of looking at lying.

St. Augustine: If you think my outlook on lying is funny, you ought to read what Plato, Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, Nietschke, and a half-dozen other philosophers and theologians thought about lying.

Student: Where can I find that?

St. Augustine: Right here in Paul J. Griffiths' book, "Lying--an Augustinian Theology of Duplicity".

Student: Did any of THEM say that a half truth was a whole lie?

St. Augustine: You'll just have to read the book to find out, won't you?