Christ, Creation, and the Vision of God: Augustine's Transformation of Early Christian Theophany Interpretation

230 Pages·2011·1.241 MB·English

by  Kari Kloos

Christ, Creation, and the Vision of God
The Bible in Ancient Christianity
General Editor
D. Jeffrey Bingham
Editorial Board
Brian E. Daley
Robin M. Jensen
Christoph Markschies
David G.K. Taylor
Maureen A. Tilley
Robert L. Wilken
Frances M. Young
VOLUME 7
Christ, Creation, and the
Vision of God
Augustine’s Transformation of Early Christian
Theophany Interpretation
By
Kari Kloos
LEIDEN • BOSTON
2011
This book is printed on acid-free paper.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Kloos, Kari.
Christ, creation, and the vision of God : Augustine’s transformation of early
Christian theophany interpretation / by Kari Kloos.
p. cm. — (The Bible in ancient Christianity ; v. 7)
Based on the author’s thesis—University of Notre Dame.
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
ISBN 978-90-04-19129-7 (hardback : alk. paper) 1. Theophanies in the Bible.
2. Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. 3. Theophanies—History of doctrines—
Early church, ca. 30–600. 4. Presence of God—History of doctrines—Early church,
ca. 30–600. 5. Trinity—History of doctrines—Early church, ca. 30–600. 6. Augustine,
Saint, Bishop of Hippo—Influence. I. Title. II. Series.
BS680.T45K56 2010
231.7’409015—dc22
2010036410

ISSN 1542-1295
ISBN 978 90 04 19129 7
Copyright 2011 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands
Koninklijke Brill NV incorporates the imprints Brill, Hotei Publishing,
IDC Publishers, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers and VSP.
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For my parents
Seek his face always. Remember the wonderful works he has
done.
Psalm 105:4–5
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of
the living.
Psalm 27:13

CONTENTS
Acknowledgments .............................................................................. ix
Abbreviations ..................................................................................... xi
Introduction ........................................................................................ 1
PART ONE
WHY THE SON? THE FOUNDATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
OF LITERAL CHRISTOLOGICAL THEOPHANY EXEGESIS
Chapter One The polemical-doctrinal strand: Identity and
mediation ........................................................................................ 13
Chapter Two The spiritual strand: Vision and
transformation ............................................................................... 45
Chapter Three Theophany interpretation and pro-Nicene
theology ........................................................................................... 73
PART TWO
FROM CHRIST TO TRIUNE GOD: AUGUSTINE’S CRITIQUE
OF PATRISTIC THEOPHANY NARRATIVE EXEGESIS
Chapter Four Vision, signs, and Christ in Augustine’s early
theophany narrative interpretation ............................................ 101
Chapter Five Augustine’s exegetical shift in De Trinitate ....... 129
Chapter Six The implications of Augustine’s theophany
narrative exegesis ........................................................................... 165
Conclusion .......................................................................................... 193
Select Bibliography ............................................................................ 205
viii contents
Index of Scriptural References ........................................................ 213
Index of Ancient Writings ............................................................... 215
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As solitary as the activity of writing can be, my work has been enriched
by the insight, constructive criticism, and friendship of many. This
project began as a dissertation at the University of Notre Dame. John
Cavadini, my director, generously guided my project with encourage-
ment and wisdom, mentoring me in the ways of the scholar. I learned
much from Brian Daley, both from his depth and breadth of knowl-
edge of early Christianity and from his gracious friendship. Joseph
Wawrykow and Randall Zachman consistently refined my thinking
with their keen theological insights, and Larry Cunningham persis-
tently encouraged me to work on Augustine’s De Trinitate from the
beginning of my doctoral studies.
The process of revising the dissertation into a book was longer,
more difficult, and ultimately more worthwhile than I ever expected.
Jeffrey Bingham, the series editor of The Bible in Ancient Christianity,
has been both generous and timely with his guidance of this proj-
ect. The Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and
Religion funded a summer research fellowship that allowed me to focus
solely on my manuscript, and Paul Myhre’s practical advice helped
me tremendously. John O’Keefe mentored me through revisions with
generosity and a constructive critical eye. All the time, my colleagues at
Regis University enriched me with their friendship, commitment, and
thoughtful dialogue. In particular, I wish to thank Julia Brumbaugh,
Mary Beth Callie, Tom Howe, John Kane, Randy Lumpp, Kelli O’Brien,
and Kathy Schaefer for commenting on various drafts. Your insights
have made the manuscript much better.
Finally, I wish to thank my family for inspiring and supporting
my theological endeavors over these many years. My brothers and
their families are constant examples of excellence and kindness. To
my mother and father I am most grateful, for always valuing educa-
tion and for teaching me to “remember the wonderful works God has
done.”