Augustine’s Theology of Angels

218 Pages·2018·16.07 MB·English

by  Elizabeth Klein

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Augustine’s
Theology of Angels
Elizabeth Klein

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Augustine’s Theology of Angels

References to the good angels in the works of Augustine are legion, and
angels also play a central role in some of his major works, such as City
of God and the opening of On the Trinity. Despite Augustine’s interest
in angels, however, little scholarly work has appeared on the topic.
In this book, Elizabeth Klein gives the first comprehensive account of
Augustine’s theology of the angels and its importance for his thought
more generally. Offering a close textual analysis of the reference to
angels in Augustine’s corpus, the volume explores Augustine’s angel-
ology in relationship with his understanding of creation, of community,
of salvation history and of spiritual warfare. By examining Augustine’s
angelology, we glimpse his understanding of time and eternity, as well
as the meaning and perfection of created life. Klein’s book is founda-
tional for a proper understanding of Augustine’s angelology and has
far- reaching implications not only for Augustinian studies, but also the
broader history of Christian angelology.
Elizabeth Klein is an assistant professor of theology at the Augustine
Institute in Denver, Colorado.
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Augustine’s Theology of Angels

ELIZABETH KLEIN
Augustine Institute, Denver, Colorado
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education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence.
www.cambridge.org
Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/ 9781108424455
DOI: 10.1017/ 9781108335652
© Cambridge University Press 2018
This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception
and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements,
no reproduction of any part may take place without the written
permission of Cambridge University Press.
First published 2018
Printed in the United States of America by Sheridan Books, Inc.
English translations of many of Augustine’s works are used with the
permission of the Augustinian Heritage Institute.
A catalogue record for this publication is available from the British Library.
ISBN 978- 1- 108- 42445- 5 Hardback
Cambridge University Press has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy
of URLs for external or third- party internet websites referred to in this publication
and does not guarantee that any content on such websites is, or will remain,
accurate or appropriate.
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Contents

Acknowledgments page vii
Abbreviations of Augustine’s Works ix
Introduction 1
1 Angels and Creation 10
2 Angelic Community 57
3 Angels in Salvation History 110
4 Augustine and Spiritual Warfare 148
Conclusion 187
Bibliography 195
General Index 201
Biblical Index 204
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Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I am grateful to my husband without whom my pur-
suance of an academic career would not have been possible.
I would also like to thank my doctoral advisor, John Cavadini, whose
enthusiasm for my project made the burden of writing light, and who
always provided insightful comments and steadfast encouragement. My
other committee members – Ann Astell, Lawrence Cunningham and
Brian Daley – were likewise a wonderful support and each offered an
invaluable perspective on my work.
I extend a special thank you to Daryn Henry, who made detailed
comments on the manuscript on short notice, and also to Peter
Widdicombe, who not only read the manuscript, but has offered me
unfailing help in all of my academic endeavors.
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and
the University of Notre Dame graciously provided the financial support
needed for me to complete the dissertation on which this book is based.
The Augustine Institute and its faculty have also been incredibly sup-
portive as I completed the manuscript, especially John Sehorn, whose
library has been at my disposal.
There are many others in the Notre Dame community who deserve my
thanks for patiently listening throughout the writing process and offering
their friendship and support, including Michael and Anna Petrin, Kate
Mahon and Kristen Drahos.
October 2, 2017 (Feast of the Guardian Angels)
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