Customer Reviews (1)

Interesting for style as well as content
The table of contents is as follows:

Introduction

Commentary on the Lord's Sermon on the Mount

Retractions: Book I: Chapter 19

Sermons:

53. On the Beatitudes

54. How to 'Let Your Light Shine Before Men'

55. On Taming the Tongue

56. On the Lord's Prayer

60. On Almsgiving

61. On Almsgiving

72. On Almsgiving

94. The Slothful Servant

109. The Adversary

346. On Life's Pilgrimage

4 (Denis). Christ: Lamb and Lion*

5 (Denis). Life From Death*

6 (Denis). The Holy Eucharist*

7 (Denis). Sonship or Servitude*

8 (Denis). On Baptism*

13 (Denis). Christ: The Glory of Martyrs*

11 (Morin). On the Beatitudes**

Index.

* The sermons so marked and the numbers assigned them are taken from a collection published by Michael Denis in 1792.

** Taken from Dom Germain Morin's "Miscellanea Agostiniana".

Although the title work of this book is Augustine's close commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, the book also includes the chapter concerning the commentary taken from Augustine's "Retractions", as well as seventeen of Augustine's sermons: ten of which took their themes from the Sermon on the Mount, and seven others that were included because they had not (at the time of writing) ever been translated into English.

Scriptural commentary is not generally regarded as Augustine's greatest strength as a theologian; held closely to the text and the order of presentation in the text, he could not address the deep questions which the text as a whole raised, but at which individual passages in their immediate context only hinted, and it was in addressing the deep questions that Augustine excelled.

Apart from their questions concerning their excellence, Augustine's method of commentary may seem quite surprising to those familiar with the more modern historical approach. Augustine's focus is on symbol-systems. Here, for example, is Augustine's commentary on the first part of Matthew 6:6:

"'But,' says He, 'when you pray, go into your bedrooms.' Now, what are these bedrooms but the very hearts that are signified also in the Psalm wherein it is said: 'The things you say in your hearts, be sorry for in your bedrooms.' He then continues: 'And closing the doors, pray in secret to you Father.' Our entering the rooms is not enough if the door be left open to the importunate, for external things rush brazenly in through this door, and lay hold on our innermost affections ... Therefore, the door must be closed;"

By way of contrast, Daniel J. Harrington, in the modern form, writing on the same passage from "Sacra Pagina: The Gospel of Matthew", says:

"The Greek word tameion can refer to a 'storage room' or 'pantry', the innermost room in the house. In either case the idea is the room least likely to attract public notice. Perhaps such a room had no windows ... Matthew 6:1-18 functions as part of the attack against Jewish opponents of the Matthean community."

Of course, the two forms of commentary are not mutually exclusive - a reader may hold both, either, or neither to be good readings. Some of course, may hold to the Harrington's form exclusively, and reject Augustine's symbol systems as imaginary. Others may hold to the Augustine's form exclusively and reject Harrington's Matthean community as imaginary.

With regard to the sermons in the collection, Augustine himself always regarded his sermons as unsatisfactory, but he seems to have been alone in that assessment. His sermons were admired and his style imitated for many centuries afterwards, a fact that has greatly complicated trying to determine which sermons Augustine wrote, and which were imitations of his style.

The editiorial material in the book includes the introduction, which provides a historical view of the works, both prior as regarding their composition, and later as to their reception and impact. Additionally, footnotes give exact references for Augustine's scriptural citations, translation issues, and references to other works of Augustine's or of others. Finally, the work has an index, which is, however, only fair. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
Publisher: London Society for Promoting Christian KnowledgePublication date: 1922Subjects: Kingdom of GodApologetics -- History Early church, ca. 30-600Notes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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The first autobiography ever written, and one of the most profound testaments of faith, ever.

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Translated by J.F. Shaw

Customer Reviews (5)

Pretty good
I wish I could think and write as clearly as August, here. I simply love the part where he argues against women wearing make up. Perhaps women in his age were prettier? That was a funny one. But, let's be honest, this guy had his finder on the pulse of God's will for behavior and disciplines. I would love to hear his commentary in the context of modern day. I wonder if he would have an IPod with Third Day and the Bible on CD. :) It's refreshing to listen to this, put myself in his time period, and understand his desire to lead people to a certain holiness. Don't get caught up on who reads it or if a few words are updated. The book's a real treat. You're going to disregard quite a few chapters anyway. Listen to what he has to say. Consider it. Take some nuggets. Move on.

The Foundation of Modern Hermeneutics
Of all the patristic works on the interpretation of Scripture, the De Doctrina Christiana ranks as the preeminent work of criticism.Both practical and theoretical, the work is much to be enjoyed for the succinctness of phrase and the pellucid and perspicacious development of its central argument.

Certainly, the work is fundamentally pragmatic in nature:It is advice--originally for the priests of the diocese of Hippo--on correct biblical interpretation.However, it is much more than that.St. Augustine in many ways forms the groundwork for modern hermeneutics and semiotics in this text.In his discussion of charitable and concupiscent interpretations, he illustrates the nature and basis of a Christian interpretational praxis.In referring to the need for interpretation to be undertaken within, and submitted to, the community of the Church, he anticipates Stanley Fish's theory of interpretive communities.

But even more than this, the De Doctrina is a guide for living the Christian life.St. Augustine notes that symbols point us toward that which is to be enjoyed, God the Three-in-One.In this way, St. Augustine illustrates the absolute immanence of God within all Creation, a latency which, with the proper hermeneutical framework of charity and faith, will burst forth with the utter effulgence of God Incarnate.

This is a magisterial work, of interest both to Christians and non-Christians alike.This work will be especially helpful to those considering the problems of semiotics and hermeneutics or those who want better to access the densely multivalent world of medieval allegory.

And I cannot recommend more highly D.W. Robertson's translation.It is engaging without being ponderous.The introductory essay is also well done.

Just a little miffed
When I ordered this item the description said it was unabridged.After it arrived the CD case had a more in depth description.It turns out to be unabridged and edited.How can you get an unabridged reading of an edited reading?Plus the CD case further describes On Christian Doctrine to be of great assitance to the Reformation.Saint Augustine's writings are being twisted, contorted, and parceled out if that is the summation.I would have appreciated these revelations to have been in the descrition provided by Amazon so as to not have wasted my postage having to return the item.
I gave the item one star simply because it was required for posting the review.

Augustine's Hermeneutics
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.

Good - if you like Augustine
I found this book to be a bit dated.It has some helpful advice, but it's been said much better and more understandably in other books.Much of it is a guide on how to read the Bible.However, I have many of Augustine's writings (and this is no exception) to be too metaphoircal and cryptic.That style is ok for some things, but it's no good for explaining something as practical as how to read the Bible.Also, it was (understandably) rather dry.For a better book on the same subject, I would suggest Fee & Stuart's "How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth." ... Read more

Product Description
It is hard to overestimate the importance of the work of Augustine of Hippo and its influence, both in his own period and in the subsequent history of Western philosophy. Many of his views, including his theory of the just war, his account of time and eternity, his attempted resolution of the problem of evil, and his approach to the relation of faith and reason, have continued to be influential up to the present. In this volume of specially-commissioned essays, sixteen scholars provide a wide-ranging and stimulating contribution to our understanding of Augustine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Collection of Scholars and Articles
This book, edited by Eleonore Stump and the late Norman Kretzmann, is a very nice collection of Augustinian scholars and their writings on or about different aspects of Augustine's philosophy.

The book consists of articles (or chapters) which deal with Augustine's view on Time and Creation, Faith and Reason, Evil and the Origin of Sin, Predestination, Pelagianism, and Foreknowledge, the Soul, Free Will, Philosophy of Language, Political philosophy and much more. Some of the contributing scholars are: Mary T. Clark (Manhattanville College), Bonnie Kent (Syracuse University), Scott MacDonald (Cornell University), John Rist (University of Toronto), Eleonore Stump (St. Louis University), Roland Teske (Marquette University), etc.

This book is a perfect demonstration of the influence which Augustine and his thinking has had over the last 1600 years or so. In my estimation this is one of the better secondary compilations which covers the thought of Augustine. The chapters are quite detailed regarding each philosophical issue and lead the reader to a greater understanding of what Augustine was espousing. However, the work is not so "scholarly" that the average person (or non-philosopher) would read it and be completely lost. Thus, it is so well written that anyone who has an interest in Augustine can tackle the issues. Moreover, the book covers several theological issues which Augustine had dealt with in his own day. This, I think, adds a nice dimension to the text. I highly recommend this work (as well as "Augustine Through the Ages" which is also available here at Amazon). ... Read more

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WELCOME TO ALL IN DEALS!MP3 AUDIO BOOK 2 MP3 CDsThis unabridged audio book contained on 2 MP3 CDS can be played on an MP3 player or a compatible MP3 DVD or MP3 compatible CD player. MP3 audio books will not play on regular CD players.We are confident you will love this audio book. Book is in the public domain and read by volunteers. Packaged with care, protected by a CD sleeve. We reserve the right to make any necessary changes at any time. This may include the readers or the original label picture.The City of Godby Saint Augustine of Hippo Translated by Marcus Dods Rome having been stormed and sacked by the Goths under Alaric their king, the worshipers of false gods, or pagans, as we commonly call them, made an attempt to attribute this calamity to the Christian religion, and began to blaspheme the true God with even more than their wonted bitterness and acerbity. It was this which kindled my zeal for the house of God, and prompted me to undertake the defense of the city of God against the charges and misrepresentations of its assailants. This work was in my hands for several years, owing to the interruptions occasioned by many other affairs which had a prior claim on my attention, and which I could not defer. (Excerpt from book ii. 43, as translated by Marcus Dods) Total running time: 40:27:16 Read by Darren L. Slider ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

City of God
Item was not received in condition as explained by seller. Cover was different, condition was worn more than expected, etc

Excellent Condition
Used the book for class but it was really good and I received it from Amazon is excellent condition.

It just flows...
I am not sure who to credit to regarding the eloquent flow of ideas in this book.It is just pleasing to read.Whether it's due to Agustine (I can't read Latin) or to the translator making sure the English reflects the original Latin, this book reflects the breadth of the authors experience and knowledge such that it has universal appeal across the ages.Indeed, the new age garbage that's being touted nowadays as being new and enlightened are the "has beens" in Augustine's age and usually came from the gutter and vulgar culture of his age.

City of God
I received my order on time and in perfect condition. I would definately buy from this seller again.

Not For Beginners
St. Augustine of Hippo is one of the most enlightened men to ever live, but be forewarned: the City of God--while doubtlessly a magnum opus that stands among the giants in the history of philosophy--equals the Bible in length and matches Descartes in density. Unless you are already deeply knowledgeable in Christian theology and Platonist philosophy, I would recommend that you take a college course on Augustine rather than trying to tackle this on your free time.

The entirety of this work, sans footnotes and elaborations, can be found online: [...] ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

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This ebooks is included in the Ultimate Handheld US History Library