Wisdom From Africa: Theological Reflections on the Confessions of St. Augustine
This book offers an in-depth analysis and theological reflection on the thirteen books of Augustine's Confessions. It seeks to cover the major points raised by Augustine in his Confessions and discuss them in a way that will give insight and encouragement to the reader. This work does not propose to reflect on every section of every book of the Confessions, but rather to discuss the major points noted in each book. In addition, thoughtful questions are listed at the end of each chapter, to stimulate further discussion and hopefully encourage personal questions as well. Because Augustine's Confessions are an honest assessment of his failures as well as his final victory in Christ, there is something for everyone in the pages of this work.
"A humane, appreciative, and historically contextual exposition
of Augustine's Confessions. Organized according to the
stages of life, Burris draws out the implications of Augustine's
experience for everyday living and pastoral care. This is at one
and the same time a strong introduction to Augustine's thought and
a manual of practical wisdom."
--Christopher Ocker, San Francisco Theological Seminary; The
Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley
"Dr. Ronald Burris has combined his pastoral experience with his
historical research to offer an accessible and lively introduction
to the Christian spiritual classic, Augustine's Confessions.
How did a brilliant, hip, disobedient, and heretical African
student end up as a Roman bishop and a saint? Augustine himself
told the story of his past as a testimony to divine wisdom and
love. Dr. Burris tells the story again to illuminate Augustine's
conversion for new generations."
--Rebecca Lyman, Garrett Professor of History emerita, The Church
Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley
"Burris provides a valuable book-by-book guide to
Augustine's Confessions. In so doing, he brings to
light the inner logic of Augustine's thought, while offering
insightful commentary on the text. The first-time reader of
the Confessions, the devoted student of Augustine's
spirituality, and even those specialists who frequently return to
Augustine's classic work will benefit from Wisdom from
Africa."
--David E. Wilhite, Associate Professor of Theology, George W.
Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
"A humane, appreciative, and historically contextual exposition
of Augustine's Confessions. Organized according to the
stages of life, Burris draws out the implications of Augustine's
experience for everyday living and pastoral care. This is at one
and the same time a strong introduction to Augustine's thought and
a manual of practical wisdom."
--Christopher Ocker, San Francisco Theological Seminary; The
Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley
"Dr. Ronald Burris has combined his pastoral experience with his
historical research to offer an accessible and lively introduction
to the Christian spiritual classic, Augustine's Confessions.
How did a brilliant, hip, disobedient, and heretical African
student end up as a Roman bishop and a saint? Augustine himself
told the story of his past as a testimony to divine wisdom and
love. Dr. Burris tells the story again to illuminate Augustine's
conversion for new generations."
--Rebecca Lyman, Garrett Professor of History emerita, The Church
Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley
"Burris provides a valuable book-by-book guide to
Augustine's Confessions. In so doing, he brings to
light the inner logic of Augustine's thought, while offering
insightful commentary on the text. The first-time reader of
the Confessions, the devoted student of Augustine's
spirituality, and even those specialists who frequently return to
Augustine's classic work will benefit from Wisdom from
Africa."
--David E. Wilhite, Associate Professor of Theology, George W.
Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
Product Details
- Title : Wisdom From Africa: Theological Reflections on the Confessions of St. Augustine
- Authors:
- Burris, Ronald D.
- Smith, J. Alfred, Sr.
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2016
- ISBN: 9781498279499
Ronald D. Burris is Associate Professor of Church History at the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, California. He is the author of Where is the Church? Martyrdom, Persecution, and Baptism in North Africa from the Second to the Fifth Century (2012).