Augustine's Early Theology of Image
A Study in the Development of Pro-Nicene Theology
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Published:11th Feb '16
Currently unavailable, currently targeted to be due back around 11th February 2025, but could change
The question of what it means for Christ to be the "image of God," or imago dei, lies at the heart of the Christological debates of the fourth century. Is an image a derivation from its source? Are they two separate substances? Does an image serve to reveal its source? Is an image ontologically inferior to its source? In this book, Gerald P. Boersma examines three Western pro-Nicene theologies of the imago dei, which tackle the question of whether human beings and Christ can both be considered to be the "image of God." Boersma goes on to examine Augustine's early theology of the imago dei, prior to his ordination (386-391). According to Boersma, Augustine's early thought posits that Christ is an image of equal likeness to God, while a human being is an image of unequal likeness. He argues that although Augustine's early theology of image builds on that of Hilary of Poitiers, Marius Victorinus, and Ambrose of Milan, Augustine was able to affirm, in ways that his predecessors were not, how both Christ and the human person can be considered the imago dei.
this monograph makes an important contribution to the field of Augustinian studies. It also accomplishes a rare feat: grounding questions pertinent to the history of ideas (for example the relationship between the One and the many, the distinction between eternal and created order) in the exegesis and ethics of Augustine as pastor and theologian. * Benjamin P. Winter, Saint Louis University, Journal of Ecclesiastical History *
Boersma's excellent work is a major contribution to the field which deserves a wide readership, as it will be helpful to scholars of Augustine and others who deal with early Christianity and late antiquity * Matthew W. Knotts, Scottish Journal of Theology *
The scope of this book makes for a compelling read. The author also deserves praise for his impressive effort from which very much can be learned. * Colten Cheuk-Yin Yam, Augustiniana *
[A] clearly argued and well-structured book...[a] valuable study. * Margaret Lane, Theology *
This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about the provenance and ingenuity of Augustine's image theology. * Joshua M. Bruce, Expository Times *
ISBN: 9780190251369
Dimensions: 239mm x 157mm x 31mm
Weight: 612g
336 pages