Augustine: Ancient Thought Baptized

The aim of this work is to show how Augustine adapted a deeply Platonic outlook to the new world of Christianity, and how he constructed a vision in which Platonism and Christianity pointed in the same direction. Augustine is skillfully contextualized, while the enduring, if often unpopular, power of his claims on a variety of topics is discussed in a manner that puts a fresh perspective on some of his chief concerns. These include: divine and human love; marriage and sexuality; the lust for power; and God's providence and omnipotence.

This book provides a detailed and accurate account of the character and effects of Augustine's thought as a whole. Professor Rist outlines the fundamental themes in Augustine's theology and philosophy, and indicates how his chief concerns may speak to us more intelligibly.' masterful study ... Rist places [Augustine] firmly in the tradition of classical philosophy and uncovers the intellectual unease which made him a deep and original thinker'. John Marenbon, The Times