'We shall be like him, for we shall see him': Augustine's De Trinitate and the Purification of the Mind. (24th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simmons, Daniel
• Is Part Of: International journal of systematic theology. Volume 15:Number 3(2013:Jul.)
• Page Start: 240
• Page End: 264
• Publication Date: 2013-03-24
• Subjects: Theology -- Periodicals; Theology, Doctrinal -- Periodicals; 230
• DOI: 10.1111/ijst.12010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-1652

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Contemporary re‐examinations of Augustine's <italic>De Trinitate</italic> have made the case for the coherence and consistency of the work based on the material content of its trinitarian theology. I propose that Augustine's understanding of <italic>De Trinitate</italic>'s <italic>function</italic> also ties the work together as a whole. Rather than just talking about purification, <italic>De Trinitate</italic> attempts to participate in and correspond to God's economically grounded, eschatological purification of humanity. By undertaking a close reading of Book 1, followed by a brief overview of Books 2–15, I make the case that reading <italic>De Trinitate</italic> as a participation in purification holds all 15 books together.</p> </abstract>