An Introduction to Medieval Theology

Description

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. List of abbreviations page ix 1. Introduction 1 Part I. The legacy of the Fathers 5 2. Augustine of Hippo 7 3. Monks and scholars in the fifth and sixth centuries: John Cassian, Boethius and Pseudo-Dionysius 27 Part II. Early Medieval theologians 37 4. Gregory the Great 39 5. John Scottus Eriugena 56 Part III. The eleventh and twelfth centuries 75 6. Introduction: renewal in the eleventh and twelfth centuries 77 7. Anselm of Canterbury 83 8. Monks and scholars in the twelfth century: Peter Abelard, William of St. Thierry and Bernard of Clairvaux 99 9. Hugh of St. Victor 120 10. Richard of St. Victor 137 11. Peter Lombard and the systematization of theology 147 Part IV. The thirteenth century 167 12. Introduction 169 13. Thomas Aquinas 171 14. Bonaventure 211 15. The Condemnations of 1277 225 16. John Duns Scotus 229 Part V. The fourteenth century and beyond 247 17. Introduction 249 18. William of Ockham 253 19. Meister Eckhart 264 20. Jan van Ruusbroec and the Modern Devotion 276 21. Epilogue 284 Bibliography 285 Index 291