Freedom and Necessity: St. Augustine's Teaching on Divine Power and Human Freedom

By: Gerald Bonner

Narrated by: Mitch Leopard

Aurelius Augustinus (354-430), bishop of Hippo Regius (the modern Annaba in Algeria), is considered one of the outstanding thinkers in Western Christian civilization, Catholic and Protestant alike. Particularly influential has been his pessimistic doctrine of divine predestination, which holds that only a small proportion of humanity has been selected by God for salvation, while the overwhelming majority, including all unbaptized persons, are damned. Yet, paradoxically, Augustine's exposition of the Eucharistic unity of the elect in the Body of Christ, his Christology, and his emphasis on love as the principal mark of the Godhead have provided a pattern for Christian devotion and spirituality down through the ages.

This book seeks to explain this paradox in Augustine's theology by tracing how these different emphases arose in his thought, and speculating as to why he endorsed, in the end, his theology of predestination. The book is intended not only for students of theology and church history, but even more for readers attracted to Christian doctrine. Written in straightforward language, it supplies adequate references to original sources for those wishing to further pursue the subject.

The author, a historian turned theologian, has studied Augustine for more than 60 years and seeks neither to extenuate nor to condemn him, but to depict his thought. His book will prove fruitful for all who engage it.

©2007 The Catholic University of America Press (P)2012 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"As a well-known and respected Augustinian scholar, Gerald Bonner does a masterful job of shedding light on this paradox found in the writings and sermons of Augustine.... His book will prove very helpful not only to the person already engaged in the study of Augustinian theology but also the initiate as well." ( Catholic Books Review)

"A remarkable tour de force, something which only an erudite Augustine scholar such as Gerald Bonner is able to accomplish." ( Augustiniana)

Good Overall

I would recommend this title as an introduction to Augustine's views on predestination. The content centers on exploring the Pelagian controversy but assumes a bit of prerequisite knowledge. At times the book seems repetitive, but this didn't bother me as the introduction implied that the book was intended to be a series of lectures. In that setting repetition is necessary. If you're interested in the Pelagian controversy or an *introduction* to Augustinian thought you'll enjoy this work as I did.