The Augustinian Alternative: Religious Skepticism and the Search for a Liberal Politics (Emerging Scholars)

Wood, Benjamin J.

ISBN 10: 1506432611 / ISBN 13: 9781506432618

Published by Fortress Press, 2017

In. Seller Inventory # ria9781506432618_new

Synopsis:

This book's central claim is that a close reading of Augustine's epistemology can help political theologians develop affirmative accounts of political liberalism. This claim is set in a scholarly context that is profoundly hostile to constructive theological readings of liberal culture. As a corrective to such antagonism, this book suggests that, far from being natural opponents, Christian communities can work fruitfully with political liberals based on common principles. A key component in this argument is the theological reevaluation of the ancient skeptical tradition. While the ancient skeptics are habitually treated by scholars as minor characters in the story of Augustine's theological development, this volume argues that they played a significant role in shaping both Augustine's theology and the subsequent character of the Augustinian tradition. By placing Augustine's reading of the skeptics in dialogue with contemporary culture, this book constructs a viable form of liberal Christian politics that is attentive both to his sin-sensitive account of public life and his eschatological vision of the church.

About the Author:

Benjamin J. Wood is lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Chester in the UK. He earned a PhD in theology at the University of Leeds. This volume is based on a dissertation completed at the University of Leeds under the supervision of Rachel Muers.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Augustinian Alternative: Religious ...
Publisher: Fortress Press
Publication Date: 2017
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: New