When Augustine preaches on the Beatitudes: Format and Strategy (original) (raw)
Related papers
Language and Scripture as Structuring Principles of Augustine's Sermons 186 and 187
Augustiniana, 2013
Abstract: The dispositio or arrangement which Augustine himself uses as a frame of reference in De doctrina christiana is not always immediately obvious in his sermons. Several authors of older publications have detected little or no structure in the sermons. More recent publications show that others suspect that there is some kind of structure. Nonetheless uncertainty about the organisation of the sermons is still widespread. This article presents an examination of the structure of sermons 186 and 187. It argues that the internal division of these sermons can be determined on the basis of linguistic signals. Moreover, the use of scriptural quotations or references also points to the existence of separate sections. The results of this study show that Augustine also implemented the division into four parts which he presented in De doctrina christiana in his sermons.
Eirene. Studia Graeca et Latina, 2015
Abstract: At first sight, it is not easy to identify the structure and argument of Nativity sermon 191. Augustine does not make explicit the steps he takes in this sermon and, furthermore, the existing arrangement into sections (derived from the Maurists' edition) does not correspond to these steps. It is, however, possible to identify the structure and argument on the basis of a relatively quick and easy twofold method, which examines the text for use of language (changes of sentence type, unusual particle use, and uncommon word and/or constituent order) and for use of Scripture (changes in Scriptural texts and/or quotations of clusters of Scriptural references). If the markers pointing to transitions uncovered by analysing the use of language are identical to the markers pointing to transitions uncovered by analysing the use of Scripture, these are markers pointing to transitions between parts of the text. In sermon 191, this method results in a division into three internally coherent parts, in which a central didactic moment is preceded by a preparation and followed by a confirmation. The central didactic moment expresses suggestions that must be adopted if a person is to be able to change his (or her) inner disposition from pride to humility. The information contained in the preparation fo the didactic moment sets the hearer on the path towards this moment, while the information contained in the confirmation of the didactic moment inspires the hearer to put its teachings into practice. This division into three parts clarifies the structure of the sermon. This structure cannot be discerned on the basis of the traditional rhetorical rules, which Augustine incidentally also repeats elsewhere (although not without qualifying them). The tripartite division also clarifies the argument. Understanding and recognising this trains a spotlight on the force of Augustine's strategy as a preacher.
Augustine, his Sermons, and their Significance (HTS 2009)
HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 65,1 (2009) Art. #300, 10 pages. DOI: 10.4102/htsv6i1.300 (http://www.hts.org.za);
Augustine's sermons provide a unique source in explaining his influence from the 5th century onwards as a theologian and pastor, a minister of the Word preached and celebrated in the sacrament. Of particular value in this regard are his sermons on the Psalms. Issues of authenticity are also considered in this article. The influence of Augustine's sermons was widespread through their tradition and adaptation by others. A substantial and reliable corpus of his sermons is available today. As a pastor, Augustine was anxious to challenge heresy in his preaching, especially to confront the Donatists, Manichaeans and Pelagians. His preaching is considered in the wider context of congregational worship with its origins in the synagogue. Of special importance are his preaching techniques, while his doctrine of 'the inner teacher' (magister interior) is equally significant. Essential elements of Augustine's theory and practice became influential in the early days of the Protestant Reformation (Luther, Calvin and others). The author briefly touches on the question of their relevance for today's congregational worship.
Fides in Augustine’s Sermones ad Populum. A Unique Representation and Thematisation of Gratia
2014
Dans ses écrits anti-pélagiens, Augustin soutient que l'initium fidei, la croissance de la foi et la perseuerantia dans la foi sont le résultat de la grâce divine prédestinée. Cet article examine si le thème de la prédestination de la foi figure aussi dans les sermones ad populum prêchés durant la controverse pélagienne. Ces sermons constituent des moyens pour encourager les auditeurs à s'engager activement dans la foi chrétienne. À première vue, il ne semble donc pas très 'tactique' pour le prédicateur d'insister sur le rôle exclusif de la grâce divine dans la foi de l'homme. Nos recherches révèlent que, bien qu'Augustin ne rejette pas la grâce de la foi dans ses sermones (ce thème est en effet présent, même s'il est peu explicite), l'évêque d'Hippone accorde plus d'importance au rôle de l'homme dans le processus de la foi. Cette préférence est probablement due au genre de l'exhortation, spécifique aux sermons. Comme tels, les sermons montrent que la doctrine augustinienne de la grâce est un rien plus équilibrée qu'on ne le présume parfois.