Printable version of this week's readings.
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Reading #1. In the first passage, we will see how Augustine sharply distinguishes between pagan divination and Christian revelation through prophets and angels. |
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Reading #2. In the second passage, Augustine reviews the legendary "monstrous" races that were a subject of great interest in both ancient and medieval culture. While he is not prepared to believe that all of these creatures are probable (he is especially doubtful about the "Antipodes"!), he nevertheless admits the possibility of monstrous races in God's creation. |
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Reading #3. In the third passage, Augustine ponders whether women will be resurrected as women, or whether they will instead take on the form of men. This passage concludes with an example of "allegory," the practice of interpreting something symbolically in terms of a significant Christian narrative (the incarnation, the crucifixion, etc.). Allegory, as sanctioned by Augustine, was to become one of the dominant modes of interpretation in the Middle Ages. |
