Introduction to Medieval Theology

by Rik Van Nieuwenhove

Overview

This classic book, now in a second, expanded edition, is an invitation to think along with major theologians and spiritual authors, men and women from the time of St Augustine to the end of the fourteenth century, who profoundly challenge our (post-)modern assumptions. Medieval theology was radically theocentric, Trinitarian, Scriptural, and sacramental, yet it also operated with a rich notion of human understanding. In a post-modern setting, when modern views on 'autonomous reason' are increasingly questioned, it is fruitful to re-engage with pre-modern thinkers who did not share our modern and post-modern presuppositions. Their different perspective does not antiquate their thought; on the contrary, it makes them profoundly challenging and enriching for theology today. This survey introduces readers to key theologians of the period and explores themes of the relationship between faith and reason; the mystery of the Trinity; soteriology; Christian love; and the transcendent thrust of medieval thought.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108813341
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/24/2022
Series:	Introduction to Religion
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	330
Sales rank:	893,065
Product dimensions:	5.91(w) x 8.86(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Rik Van Nieuwenhove is Associate Professor of Medieval Theology at Durham University. He has authored many articles and books on medieval theology and spirituality, including: Thomas Aquinas and Contemplation (OUP, 2021), Jan van Ruusbroec. Mystical Theologian of the Trinity (IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2003), and co-edited The Theology of Thomas Aquinas (IN: University of Notre Dame, 2005) and Late Medieval Mysticism of the Low Countries (NJ: St Paulist Press, 2008).

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-Dioysius; Part II. Early Medieval Theologians: 4. Gregory the Great; 5. John Scottus Eriugena and the Carolingian renaissance; 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. Hildegard of Bingen; 12. Peter Lombard and the systematization of theology; Part IV. The Thirteenth Century: 13. Introduction: Mendicant orders, universities and Islamic scholarship; 14. Two beguines: Mecthild of Magdeburg and Hadewijch of Antwerp; 15. Early Franciscan theology: Robert Grosseteste, Roger Bacon, and the Summa Halensis; 16. Bonaventure; 17. Albert the Great; 18. Thomas Aquinas; 19. The Condemnations of 1277; 20. John Duns Scotus; Part V. The Fourteenth Century and Beyond: 21. Upheavals and pluralism in the fourteenth century; 22. William of Ockham; 23. Meister Eckhart; 24. Jan van Ruusbroec and the modern devotion; 25. Epilogue.