Life in the Spirit

Trinitarian Grammar and Pneumatic Community in Hegel and Augustine

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Religious, Theology, Christianity
Cover of the book Life in the Spirit by Douglas Finn, University of Notre Dame Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Douglas Finn ISBN: 9780268070625
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press Publication: December 31, 2015
Imprint: University of Notre Dame Press Language: English
Author: Douglas Finn
ISBN: 9780268070625
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
Publication: December 31, 2015
Imprint: University of Notre Dame Press
Language: English

Since the nineteenth century, many philosophical and theological commentators have sought to trace lines of continuity between the Trinitarian thought of Augustine of Hippo (354–430) and G. W. F. Hegel (1770–1831). Many contemporary Christian theologians have also criticized Augustine's Trinitarian theology generally and his doctrine of the Holy Spirit more specifically through this historical lens. At the same time, Hegelian Trinitarian conceptual dynamics have come to exert a strong influence over contemporary Trinitarian theology.

In Life in the Spirit, Douglas Finn seeks to redress several imbalances with respect to Augustine, imbalances that have one of their hermeneutic causes in a Hegelian-influenced theological tradition. Finn argues that common readings of Augustine focus too much on his De Trinitate, books 8–15, betraying a modern—and to some extent Hegelian—prejudice against considering sermons and biblical commentaries serious theological work. This broadening of Augustinian texts allows Finn to critique readings of Augustine that, on the one hand, narrow his Trinitarian theology to the so-called psychological analogy and thus chart him on a path to Descartes and Hegel, or, on the other hand, suggest he sacrifices a theology of the Trinitarian persons on the altar of divine substance. Augustine's Trinitarian theology on Finn's reading is one fully engaged with God's work in history.

With this renewed understanding of Augustine's Trinitarianism, Finn allows Augustine to interrogate Hegel with his concerns rather than only the other way around. In this ambitious study, Finn shows that Hegel's rendition of Christianity systematically obviates whole swaths of Christian prayer and practice. He does this nonpolemically, carefully, and with meticulous attention to the texts of both great thinkers.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Since the nineteenth century, many philosophical and theological commentators have sought to trace lines of continuity between the Trinitarian thought of Augustine of Hippo (354–430) and G. W. F. Hegel (1770–1831). Many contemporary Christian theologians have also criticized Augustine's Trinitarian theology generally and his doctrine of the Holy Spirit more specifically through this historical lens. At the same time, Hegelian Trinitarian conceptual dynamics have come to exert a strong influence over contemporary Trinitarian theology.

In Life in the Spirit, Douglas Finn seeks to redress several imbalances with respect to Augustine, imbalances that have one of their hermeneutic causes in a Hegelian-influenced theological tradition. Finn argues that common readings of Augustine focus too much on his De Trinitate, books 8–15, betraying a modern—and to some extent Hegelian—prejudice against considering sermons and biblical commentaries serious theological work. This broadening of Augustinian texts allows Finn to critique readings of Augustine that, on the one hand, narrow his Trinitarian theology to the so-called psychological analogy and thus chart him on a path to Descartes and Hegel, or, on the other hand, suggest he sacrifices a theology of the Trinitarian persons on the altar of divine substance. Augustine's Trinitarian theology on Finn's reading is one fully engaged with God's work in history.

With this renewed understanding of Augustine's Trinitarianism, Finn allows Augustine to interrogate Hegel with his concerns rather than only the other way around. In this ambitious study, Finn shows that Hegel's rendition of Christianity systematically obviates whole swaths of Christian prayer and practice. He does this nonpolemically, carefully, and with meticulous attention to the texts of both great thinkers.

More books from University of Notre Dame Press

Cover of the book The Problem of Evil by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book The Mirror of Simple Souls by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book Outsiders by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book Way Toward Wisdom, The by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book The Writings of Charles De Koninck by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book The Quest of the Absolute by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book Statecraft and Stagecraft by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book Reverence for the Relations of Life by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book Debating Medieval Natural Law by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book Monk's Tale by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book Freedom and Tradition in Hegel by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book The Architecture of Law by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book German Catholics and Hitler's Wars by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book Evil and Exile by Douglas Finn
Cover of the book Four Scraps of Bread by Douglas Finn
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy