A few years ago Pope Benedict XVI gave a series of lectures on the early church fathers, and they have been collected into a book: Church Fathers: From Clement of Rome to Augustine
The great difficulty with the Old Testament, because of its lack of rhetorical beauty and of lofty philosophy, was resolved in Saint Ambrose’s preaching through his typological interpretation of the Old Testament: Augustine realized that the whole of the Old Testament was a journey toward Jesus Christ. Thus, he found the key to understanding the beauty and even the philosophical depth of the Old Testament and grasped the whole unity of the mystery of Christ in history as well as the synthesis between philosophy, rationality, and faith in the Logos, in Christ, the Eternal Word who was made flesh. (171)
Interesting…Biblical Theology via a typological interpretation of the OT was part of the breakthrough for St. Augustine in understanding the Scriptures. The Old Testament is a way to Jesus Christ, the eternal Word made flesh.
January 25th, 2012 | 3:29 pm | #1
Marconian understandings of the Bible have definitely been a problem in more than one sermon I’ve heard. “The God of the OT” and “The God of the NT” are talked about, when in reality they are one in the same. Ethan Coen at one point wrote a play where “God Who Judges” and “God Who Loves” get into a heated argument. Haven’t read it, but it’s probably theologically sketch.
Good post!
January 25th, 2012 | 6:20 pm | #2
For a challenge Google First Scandal.
February 5th, 2012 | 3:17 pm | #3
This was hardly an innovation of Augustine.
After all, the resurrected Christ made this plain on the road to Emmaus:
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he (Christ) explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)
Peace.
February 9th, 2012 | 8:53 am | #4
One of the most quoted verses in the NT us John 3:16, but it is part of an argument Jesus made that pointed to Moses and the healing bronze serpent on the staff as a symbol of his own atoning crucifixion. Both the symbol erected by Moses and Christ’s atonement only save those who are willing to step out their tent doors and look with faith in the promised healing.
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