Augustine‘s anti-Manichean writings indicate a growing appreciation for the history of Israel as a witness to the one God. In particular, his exegetical response in the massive Contra Faustum demonstrates how a more serious engagement with the history of Israel shaped his theology.
Explores the theological underpinnings of ancient Christian theophany interpretation regarding polemic and the formation of Christian identity, the relationship between vision and spiritual transformation, and theological claims about knowing God through creation. Argues that Augustine‘s challenge to traditional claims that Christ appeared in the Old Testament theophanies demonstrates the critical and creative capacity of early Christian authors to adapt and transform exegetical traditions.
An overview of medieval development of the theology of angels and of Reformation critiques.
An overview of the post-biblical development of the theology of angels in patristic Greek and Latin sources.
Explores early Christian (2nd through 4th century) exegetical claims that Christ appeared in the Old Testament, arguing that similar ―audacious hermeneutical leaps‖ created continuity in periods of theological and spiritual crisis. However, managing such threats of discontinuity often created further problems.
Explores different forms of ancient Christian (2nd to late 4th century) interpretation of Galatians 3:28, considering views on baptism, asceticism, and social hierarchy.
Explores how early and medieval Christian authors defined female identity paradoxically, both identical to the male in spiritual dignity and inferior socially, ecclesially, and spiritually. The tension created by this paradox yielded both constructive and destructive results historically.
Examines how Augustine challenged ancient Christian claims that Christ appeared in the Old Testament theophanies of Genesis and Exodus, arguing that his developing Trinitarian theology reframed Christological exegesis.