Gerard McLarney | University of Alberta (original) (raw)
Papers by Gerard McLarney
Augustinian Studies, 2015
The Downside Review
~ A"""uch scholarly interest in the Enarrationes in Psalmos, 1.V..LAugustine's... more ~ A"""uch scholarly interest in the Enarrationes in Psalmos, 1.V..LAugustine's expositions on the psalms, has revolved around the various facets of Augustine's Christological and prosopological reading of the Psalter. 1 Although a Christological interpretation of the psalms can be traced back to the earliest Christian writings," one of Augustine's major contributions to Patristic exegesis stems from his assertion that the voice of Christ (vox Christl), or the whole Christ (Christus totus) is heard throughout the psalms.' Such a reading, an amplification and development of Christological readings found amongst the New Testament writers (ef. Luke 24:44; Acts 2:25; Heb 1:8-10; 13), was also fostered by the liturgical milieu in which Augustine preached.' The rudimentary lectionary present in North Africa during Augustine's episcopate was undergoing a transition from four readings (Old Testament, Epistle, Psalm and Gospel) to three (Epistle, Psalm and Gospel)." In either case, a psalm was read or sung prior to the Gospel, the climax of the scriptural lessons in which the "mouth of Christ" was heard." This structure of the lectionary helps explain why nearly half of Augustine's interpretations and applications of the psalms are Christological. Beneath the long umbra cast by the vox Christi or Christus totus interpretations, however, glimmer other notable non-Christological interpretative features within the Enarrationes.B One voice in particular, which, at times, is peripheral to discussion on the Enarrationes, is that of the Apostle Paul-a voice that could also be heard echoing in Hippo's basilica pads during the proclamation of the scriptural lessons. Though the voxPauli is by no means the key to Augustine's interpretation of the Psalter, the dynamic manner
Andrew Louth is well known and influential in English-speaking circles, but also in the non-Engli... more Andrew Louth is well known and influential in English-speaking circles, but also in the non-English Orthodox world, especially across Eastern Europe. Yet the interaction between these theological groups remains sparse and intermittent. By drawing together scholars from the three main branches of Christianity and from around the world, this volume helps to increase knowledge and exposure between these different spheres. This volume is comprised of articles on Patristics, Byzantine Fathers, Latin Fathers, Modern Christianity, Theology as Life and the reception of Louth's work outside the English-speaking world. The papers are written by leading scholars, including Lewis Ayres, John Milbank, Kallistos Ware, John Behr, and Thomas Graumann
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2013
Lössl, in ‘Palamite Soteriology in Augustinian dress? Observations on Prochoros Kydones’ writings... more Lössl, in ‘Palamite Soteriology in Augustinian dress? Observations on Prochoros Kydones’ writings and translations of some works on Augustine,’ also explores a thinker reacting to Palamas. Prochoros was condemned for holding that divine light (‘Thabor light’) was created and not uncreated. For Prochoros, salvation, ultimately is a form of illumination, but insisted on syllogistics and textual analysis as the basis for theological reflection. For instance, he followed Augustine in distinguishing that which signifies and the signified. The final contributions shift our attention from theology to the symbolic depiction of salvation in the public square. David Woods, in ‘The cross in the public sphere: The column-mounted cross c.AD 450–750,’ argues that the process of crosses replacing pagan statuary in eastern Byzantium was gradual. Woods suggests that the transformation of the urban skyline did not begin until the latter half of the fifth century unlike the assumption of many eighthand ninth-century writers. The last and brief entry, ‘The cross triumphant: Irish High Crosses,’ by Hilary Richardson, likewise, focuses on public crosses. In this case she argues that prototypes from the Holy Land, such as the stepped base and the capstone, served as inspiration from the indigenous adaptation of crosses in Ireland. The book, as with previous proceedings from Maynooth’s international symposia on patristics, has the great benefit of honing in on a particular theme or topic. Thus readers interested in a fresh look at salvation in Patristic thought will gain much from it. Notably, some major thinkers are underrepresented or absent in the work. Somewhat surprisingly, we find no entries discussing the soteriology of St Augustine which has proved immensely influential in Western thought. Similarly, the Cappadocians are only touched upon in passing. On the other hand, the fact that the collection steers the discussion toward lesser-known thinkers is a welcomed development. Those who are often passed over in footnotes, such as Marcellus of Ancyra or Leontius of Byzantium, are given due treatment. The historical ark of the work, from Athanasius to late Byzantium thought, moreover, offers readers a sense of how salvation has been articulated and discussed over the centuries. As such, the work is bound to profit students of historical theology and the development of doctrine.
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2013
My only disappointment with the book is that it doesn’t cover the full liturgical year and we are... more My only disappointment with the book is that it doesn’t cover the full liturgical year and we are left without an analysis of Ordinary Time and most of the Feasts and Saints’ days, but Regan, probably correctly, thinks that this would make the book too long. The Ordinary of the Mass is not treated either, but in this sense Regan has provided us with a good companion volume to Liturgical Press’s 2011 Commentary on the Order of Mass of the Roman Missal edited by Baldovin et al. which I reviewed in the August 2012 issues of the ITQ.
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2013
communities must be respected, but also understood in relations to unity of all religious systems... more communities must be respected, but also understood in relations to unity of all religious systems and ultimately the unity of the triune God. Does God Roll Dice? is the working out of key insights from a master theologian in his maturity. This one thin volume demonstrates Bracken’s creativity and the far-reaching implications for his unique theological vision. It also demonstrates, what this reviewer takes as the weaknesses in his system which include his reduction of ontological unity to cooperation and his ultimately reductionist eschatology. While accessible in its approach, it leans heavily on the technical language of process philosophy and systems theory. The work would make a fine introduction to Bracken’s theology or as a part of a graduate course on process theology or religion and science.
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2014
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2010
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2007
How can we speak of God? This per-ennial theological problem is the point of departure for Pierre... more How can we speak of God? This per-ennial theological problem is the point of departure for Pierre Grelot's The Lan-guage of Symbolism, a translation of his 2001 publication Le Language symbolique dans la Bible. Readers are offered a refined and, often times, dense ...
Journal of Adult Theological Education, 2011
Abstract This paper acknowledges that many young adults today have poor content knowledge in theo... more Abstract This paper acknowledges that many young adults today have poor content knowledge in theology and related fields. It argues that one way of addressing this is to teach more explicitly about seminal thinkers and their ideas as part of an integrated ...
Faith in Panem, 2019
The world of Panem sketched in Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games trilogy appears resolutely agnostic.... more The world of Panem sketched in Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games trilogy appears resolutely agnostic. References to the divine are conspicuously absent as are explicit religious beliefs-indeed not even a solitary blasphemy escapes the lips of a dying tribute. This paper argues that the virtue of hope, nonetheless, plays a crucial role in the drama. Shadows of transcendent hope, moreover, appear to emerge in embryonic form especially through song as considered within the ancient conception of carmini universitatis (songs of the universe.) As a vehicle for purification and transformation, song allows Katniss to not only survive the ordeal of the games but also navigate an overwhelming torrent of difficulty. The following opens by considering the sources of basic human hope, exploring its invocation in common parlance as well distinguishing hope from mere optimism. We then trace discussions of hope that arise in Collins's trilogy before concluding by making comparisons to formulations of transcendent hope in the biblical narrative, particularly with respect to song and hope in light of death.
The world of Panem sketched in Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games trilogy appears resolutely agnostic.... more The world of Panem sketched in Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games trilogy appears resolutely agnostic. References to the divine are conspicuously absent as are explicit religious beliefs-indeed not even a solitary blasphemy escapes the lips of a dying tribute. This paper argues that the virtue of hope, nonetheless, plays a crucial role in the drama. Shadows of transcendent hope, moreover, appear to emerge in embryonic form especially through song as considered within the ancient conception of carmini universitatis (songs of the universe.) As a vehicle for purification and transformation, song allows Katniss to not only survive the ordeal of the games but also navigate an overwhelming torrent of difficulty. The following opens by considering the sources of basic human hope, exploring its invocation in common parlance as well distinguishing hope from mere optimism. We then trace discussions of hope that arise in Collins's trilogy before concluding by making comparisons to formulations of transcendent hope in the biblical narrative, particularly with respect to song and hope in light of death.
Faith in Panem: A Theological Interpretation of The Hunger Games, 2019
French thinker Rene Girard’s seminal work on mimetic desire and the propensity for archaic societ... more French thinker Rene Girard’s seminal work on mimetic desire and the propensity for archaic societies to practice violent sacrifice proffers a rich hermeneutic for Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. First, the purpose of the rituals and the mythological narrative surrounding tribute sacrifice are best understood in relation to Girard’s vision of sacral violence and religious practices. Second, control for power in Panem, is essentially a vying for control over mythological narratives. Lastly, Katniss’s final actions can be viewed as the attempt to definitively dismantle systems of ritual sacrifice, thereby establishing grounds for perduring hope.
Augustinian Studies, 2014
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2013
Augustinian Studies, 2011
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2010
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2010
Augustinian Studies, 2015
The Downside Review
~ A"""uch scholarly interest in the Enarrationes in Psalmos, 1.V..LAugustine's... more ~ A"""uch scholarly interest in the Enarrationes in Psalmos, 1.V..LAugustine's expositions on the psalms, has revolved around the various facets of Augustine's Christological and prosopological reading of the Psalter. 1 Although a Christological interpretation of the psalms can be traced back to the earliest Christian writings," one of Augustine's major contributions to Patristic exegesis stems from his assertion that the voice of Christ (vox Christl), or the whole Christ (Christus totus) is heard throughout the psalms.' Such a reading, an amplification and development of Christological readings found amongst the New Testament writers (ef. Luke 24:44; Acts 2:25; Heb 1:8-10; 13), was also fostered by the liturgical milieu in which Augustine preached.' The rudimentary lectionary present in North Africa during Augustine's episcopate was undergoing a transition from four readings (Old Testament, Epistle, Psalm and Gospel) to three (Epistle, Psalm and Gospel)." In either case, a psalm was read or sung prior to the Gospel, the climax of the scriptural lessons in which the "mouth of Christ" was heard." This structure of the lectionary helps explain why nearly half of Augustine's interpretations and applications of the psalms are Christological. Beneath the long umbra cast by the vox Christi or Christus totus interpretations, however, glimmer other notable non-Christological interpretative features within the Enarrationes.B One voice in particular, which, at times, is peripheral to discussion on the Enarrationes, is that of the Apostle Paul-a voice that could also be heard echoing in Hippo's basilica pads during the proclamation of the scriptural lessons. Though the voxPauli is by no means the key to Augustine's interpretation of the Psalter, the dynamic manner
Andrew Louth is well known and influential in English-speaking circles, but also in the non-Engli... more Andrew Louth is well known and influential in English-speaking circles, but also in the non-English Orthodox world, especially across Eastern Europe. Yet the interaction between these theological groups remains sparse and intermittent. By drawing together scholars from the three main branches of Christianity and from around the world, this volume helps to increase knowledge and exposure between these different spheres. This volume is comprised of articles on Patristics, Byzantine Fathers, Latin Fathers, Modern Christianity, Theology as Life and the reception of Louth's work outside the English-speaking world. The papers are written by leading scholars, including Lewis Ayres, John Milbank, Kallistos Ware, John Behr, and Thomas Graumann
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2013
Lössl, in ‘Palamite Soteriology in Augustinian dress? Observations on Prochoros Kydones’ writings... more Lössl, in ‘Palamite Soteriology in Augustinian dress? Observations on Prochoros Kydones’ writings and translations of some works on Augustine,’ also explores a thinker reacting to Palamas. Prochoros was condemned for holding that divine light (‘Thabor light’) was created and not uncreated. For Prochoros, salvation, ultimately is a form of illumination, but insisted on syllogistics and textual analysis as the basis for theological reflection. For instance, he followed Augustine in distinguishing that which signifies and the signified. The final contributions shift our attention from theology to the symbolic depiction of salvation in the public square. David Woods, in ‘The cross in the public sphere: The column-mounted cross c.AD 450–750,’ argues that the process of crosses replacing pagan statuary in eastern Byzantium was gradual. Woods suggests that the transformation of the urban skyline did not begin until the latter half of the fifth century unlike the assumption of many eighthand ninth-century writers. The last and brief entry, ‘The cross triumphant: Irish High Crosses,’ by Hilary Richardson, likewise, focuses on public crosses. In this case she argues that prototypes from the Holy Land, such as the stepped base and the capstone, served as inspiration from the indigenous adaptation of crosses in Ireland. The book, as with previous proceedings from Maynooth’s international symposia on patristics, has the great benefit of honing in on a particular theme or topic. Thus readers interested in a fresh look at salvation in Patristic thought will gain much from it. Notably, some major thinkers are underrepresented or absent in the work. Somewhat surprisingly, we find no entries discussing the soteriology of St Augustine which has proved immensely influential in Western thought. Similarly, the Cappadocians are only touched upon in passing. On the other hand, the fact that the collection steers the discussion toward lesser-known thinkers is a welcomed development. Those who are often passed over in footnotes, such as Marcellus of Ancyra or Leontius of Byzantium, are given due treatment. The historical ark of the work, from Athanasius to late Byzantium thought, moreover, offers readers a sense of how salvation has been articulated and discussed over the centuries. As such, the work is bound to profit students of historical theology and the development of doctrine.
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2013
My only disappointment with the book is that it doesn’t cover the full liturgical year and we are... more My only disappointment with the book is that it doesn’t cover the full liturgical year and we are left without an analysis of Ordinary Time and most of the Feasts and Saints’ days, but Regan, probably correctly, thinks that this would make the book too long. The Ordinary of the Mass is not treated either, but in this sense Regan has provided us with a good companion volume to Liturgical Press’s 2011 Commentary on the Order of Mass of the Roman Missal edited by Baldovin et al. which I reviewed in the August 2012 issues of the ITQ.
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2013
communities must be respected, but also understood in relations to unity of all religious systems... more communities must be respected, but also understood in relations to unity of all religious systems and ultimately the unity of the triune God. Does God Roll Dice? is the working out of key insights from a master theologian in his maturity. This one thin volume demonstrates Bracken’s creativity and the far-reaching implications for his unique theological vision. It also demonstrates, what this reviewer takes as the weaknesses in his system which include his reduction of ontological unity to cooperation and his ultimately reductionist eschatology. While accessible in its approach, it leans heavily on the technical language of process philosophy and systems theory. The work would make a fine introduction to Bracken’s theology or as a part of a graduate course on process theology or religion and science.
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2014
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2010
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2007
How can we speak of God? This per-ennial theological problem is the point of departure for Pierre... more How can we speak of God? This per-ennial theological problem is the point of departure for Pierre Grelot's The Lan-guage of Symbolism, a translation of his 2001 publication Le Language symbolique dans la Bible. Readers are offered a refined and, often times, dense ...
Journal of Adult Theological Education, 2011
Abstract This paper acknowledges that many young adults today have poor content knowledge in theo... more Abstract This paper acknowledges that many young adults today have poor content knowledge in theology and related fields. It argues that one way of addressing this is to teach more explicitly about seminal thinkers and their ideas as part of an integrated ...
Faith in Panem, 2019
The world of Panem sketched in Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games trilogy appears resolutely agnostic.... more The world of Panem sketched in Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games trilogy appears resolutely agnostic. References to the divine are conspicuously absent as are explicit religious beliefs-indeed not even a solitary blasphemy escapes the lips of a dying tribute. This paper argues that the virtue of hope, nonetheless, plays a crucial role in the drama. Shadows of transcendent hope, moreover, appear to emerge in embryonic form especially through song as considered within the ancient conception of carmini universitatis (songs of the universe.) As a vehicle for purification and transformation, song allows Katniss to not only survive the ordeal of the games but also navigate an overwhelming torrent of difficulty. The following opens by considering the sources of basic human hope, exploring its invocation in common parlance as well distinguishing hope from mere optimism. We then trace discussions of hope that arise in Collins's trilogy before concluding by making comparisons to formulations of transcendent hope in the biblical narrative, particularly with respect to song and hope in light of death.
The world of Panem sketched in Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games trilogy appears resolutely agnostic.... more The world of Panem sketched in Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games trilogy appears resolutely agnostic. References to the divine are conspicuously absent as are explicit religious beliefs-indeed not even a solitary blasphemy escapes the lips of a dying tribute. This paper argues that the virtue of hope, nonetheless, plays a crucial role in the drama. Shadows of transcendent hope, moreover, appear to emerge in embryonic form especially through song as considered within the ancient conception of carmini universitatis (songs of the universe.) As a vehicle for purification and transformation, song allows Katniss to not only survive the ordeal of the games but also navigate an overwhelming torrent of difficulty. The following opens by considering the sources of basic human hope, exploring its invocation in common parlance as well distinguishing hope from mere optimism. We then trace discussions of hope that arise in Collins's trilogy before concluding by making comparisons to formulations of transcendent hope in the biblical narrative, particularly with respect to song and hope in light of death.
Faith in Panem: A Theological Interpretation of The Hunger Games, 2019
French thinker Rene Girard’s seminal work on mimetic desire and the propensity for archaic societ... more French thinker Rene Girard’s seminal work on mimetic desire and the propensity for archaic societies to practice violent sacrifice proffers a rich hermeneutic for Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. First, the purpose of the rituals and the mythological narrative surrounding tribute sacrifice are best understood in relation to Girard’s vision of sacral violence and religious practices. Second, control for power in Panem, is essentially a vying for control over mythological narratives. Lastly, Katniss’s final actions can be viewed as the attempt to definitively dismantle systems of ritual sacrifice, thereby establishing grounds for perduring hope.
Augustinian Studies, 2014
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2013
Augustinian Studies, 2011
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2010
Irish Theological Quarterly, 2010
This talk looks at the dynamic Augustine establishes between his audience members and the citizen... more This talk looks at the dynamic Augustine establishes between his audience members and the citizens of Jerusalem in his expositions on the Psalms of Ascent (Ps 119-133). These sermons, preached in succession (ex ordine) during the winter of 405-6, or 406-7, expound upon the theme of ascent based on the common superscription (canticum graduum) of these Psalms. Understood as songs of a pilgrim mounting to Jerusalem above, Augustine situates his audience, the text, and the Psalmist within an overarching narrative. Through the use of rhetoric, exegesis, and theological reasoning, Augustine establishes a sense of consonance as well as dissonance between those who seek fellowship with the citizens of Jerusalem and those who already stand within the gates of Jerusalem (Psalm 121:2). Drawing upon the example of those who have already completed the ascent above, such as the prophets, apostles, and martyrs, Augustine illustrates what it means to truly sing the Songs of Ascent from the heart.
The Book of Psalms is perhaps one of the most familiar and favourite texts of the Old Testament c... more The Book of Psalms is perhaps one of the most familiar and favourite texts of the Old Testament canon. For many women and men, the words of the psalms resonate and evoke profound images and emotions.
Although the texts are familiar to our ears, the psalms’ deeper meaning can easily be overlooked. Theologian and scripture scholar Gerard McLarney offers us an insightful introduction to the psalms and invites us to consider how the words speak to our life experiences. This accessible guide is perfect for parish groups, catechists and new and returning religious educators.
Living with Christ introduces the Getting to Know series.
Each book comes with historical background on the scriptures and examines their themes and symbolism.
They are ideal for lectors, catechists and all those seeking a greater understanding of these key books of the Bible.
The Psalms were a very popular and biblical book with both lay and monastic audiences in the earl... more The Psalms were a very popular and biblical book with both lay and monastic audiences in the early church. The Psalms or songs of ascent, 119-133, may have been sung in ancient Israel as pilgrims ascended to Jerusalem, and perhaps by priests as they ascended the steps to the Temple. For instance, "Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe thy righteous ordinances." (119:105-106)
Recent research has explored how past interpretation can help contextualize current interpretation as well as provide a more colorful and theologically meaningful understanding of scripture. In St. Augustine's Interpretation of the Psalms of Ascent, Gerald McLarney examines Augustine of Hippo's (d. 430) interpretation of the ascent motif in sermons on Psalms 119-133. He looks at the delivery, transmission, and broader context of the sermons, as well as examining the sermons as they stand.
McLarney considers the reception of the Psalter in the early church, and examines patristic hermeneutical principles and Psalter commentaries in conjunction with Augustine's distinctive approaches to scripture and the Psalms. He studies the delivery and transmission of Augustines Expositions (Ennarationes), as well as the mechanics of their composition, recording, and circulation, and the manuscript tradition. He looks at the possible times and places of their delivery.
McLarney then examines the social, cultural, and liturgical context of these Expositions. Topics include African Christianity in Augustine's time, the composition of a typical audience, and the structure of the liturgy with specific reference to the role of the Psalter. He sets in sharper relief features such as the prominence of martyrs, the influence of Neoplatonism, emphasis on spiritual combat, and the importance of singing - all within the context of the physical and liturgical context of delivery.
Augustine does not read out (exegete) the Psalter simply for his own benefit, but pursues a hermeneutic of alignment, bringing the Psalmist, the Psalm, and the lives of his North African readers into a common context - and draws them into the dynamism of the Psalms. His readers continue an ascent of salvation, in the communion of believers, that began in ancient times.