Augustine as Improvisational Theologian: The Musical Nature of Augustine's Thought. (21st September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crawford, Nathan
• Is Part Of: New Blackfriars. Volume 97:Number 1067(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2015-09-21
• Subjects: Attunement -- Augustine -- hermeneutics -- improvisation -- method; Periodicals; Periodicals; 271.2
• DOI: 10.1111/nbfr.12003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0028-4289

Abstract

Abstract: In this article, I explore the nature of Augustine's theological thinking. My thesis is that Augustine is an "improvisational theologian, " meaning his theology begins from the place that an improvisational musician's thinking does: attunement. In order to prove this thesis, I have three sections. The first is an analysis of the type of thinking that takes place in improvisational music, showing how it is predicated upon an idea of attunement. Second, I explore the improvisational nature of Augustine's thought by seeing how attunement is also at work in his thinking. In order to do this, I show how he develops a musical worldview in De Musica and how this guides his subsequent thinking in De Doctrina Christiana and Confessions . I conclude by briefly pointing to different contemporary theological issues that this reading of Augustine can enrich.