Using seven of Augustine's most important texts, distinguished theologian Matthew Levering introduces the thought of this towering figure in an accessible and understandable text. Complementary to other introductions on Augustine, and ideal as a guide through the seven treatise Levering examines this book will bring Augustine to a wider audience including church leaders, laity, and students. Moreover, because the Augustinian corpus is so large, it will also prove very beneficial to scholars who often need to know Augustine but have not read him.

The seven works of Augustine covered include:

• On Christian Doctrine
• Answer to Faustus, a Manichean
• Homilies on the First Epistle of John
• On the Predestination of the Saints
• Confessions
• City of God
• On the Trinity

Most theology students realize Augustine is tremendously influential on the Christian tradition as a whole, but they generally lack real knowledge of his writings. This volume introduces Augustine's theology through seven of his most important works. Matthew Levering begins with a discussion of Augustine's life and times and then provides a full survey of the argument of each work with bibliographical references for those who wish to go further. Written in clear, accessible language, this book offers an essential introduction to major works of Augustine that all students of theology--and their professors!--need to know.

Matthew Levering (PhD, Boston College) is professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Ezra & Nehemiah in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. He is also coauthor of Holy People, Holy Land and Knowing the Love of Christ.

Matthew Levering introduces Augustine through seven of his most important texts--a wonderful idea. Augustine shines out as one whose theology focuses on the central mystery of the Christian faith, God's gracious drawing of humanity into the divine life through the work of the incarnate Word and the life-giving Spirit. Levering's treatment beautifully complements existing introductions, providing a guide that should aid generations of students and inspire the interested lay reader.
Lewis Ayres,
Bede Chair in Catholic Theology, Durham University

Matthew Levering applies his characteristic clarity of exposition and acuity of analysis to seven major works of Augustine; the result wonderfully substantiates his introductory claim that 'Augustine speaks as powerfully today as he did sixteen hundred years ago.'
Khaled Anatolios,
professor of historical theology, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry

The current reawakening of interest in Augustine's theology has created a great need for an introduction that is elevated enough to be of interest to specialists and yet accessible enough to be read by students and readers from other disciplines. Levering's study meets exactly that need. It points the way for those who are interested in how Augustine is relevant to our own theological quandaries, and it guides those who are just beginning to find their way in things Augustinian by helping them see theological themes as they are embodied in whole texts. An excellent contribution!
John Cavadini,
professor of theology and director of the Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame

Levering offers to students the best introduction to Augustine devised so far. He makes clear that Augustine himself was no 'Augustinian'; even though he invented subjective angst and had an acute sense of sin, Augustine was also a humanist and a profound metaphysician. This book successfully inducts us into the bishop of Hippo's integral blend of soul-searching, critical reading of sacred texts, ontological reflection, and social activism.
John Milbank,
professor of religion, politics, and ethics, University of Nottingham

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