Rhetorical Distinctions in Augustine's Early and Later Writing

2018/01/01 by Nathan R. Wagner · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Augustinian Studies and Theology #Classical Antiquity Studies #Historical and Religious Studies of Rome

paper · doi:10.1525/rh.2018.36.2.105

openalex publication_date 2018/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21

Abstract

This article seeks to view Augustine's early work as a form of revelatory rhetoric where the aim is to define and express the nature of the divine. This aim contrasts with Augustine's post-ordination work where the aim is more deliberative in nature through a language that instructs and moves his audience. While the contexts and rhetorical purposes of these eras are distinct, there is a continuity in terms of Augustine's theology. I argue that it is Augustine's rhetorical context that distinguishes his early and later work through an analysis of De libero arbitrio.

Cited by

• Augustine of Hippo [wikipedia]

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