‘For you, I am bishop; with you, I am a Christian’ (Sermon 340.1 [Caes. s. 232.1]): Augustine of Hippo’s Life, Reflections and Ecclesiology as a Pilgrimage
‘For you, I am bishop; with you, I am a Christian’(Sermon 340.1 [Caes. s. 232.1]):
Augustine of Hippo’s Life, Reflections and Ecclesiology as a Pilgrimage
This lecture embarks on a twofold exploration. Initially, it delves into the profound legacy of Augustine of Hippo, tracing the contours of his life’s journey and theological contributions. The presentation highlights Augustine’s enduring influence across diverse domains. In a subsequent movement, attention turns to Augustine’s reflections on the Church and Christian community life. As the Bishop of Hippo, his doctrinal contemplations about the Church were intricately shaped by practical experiences, and vice versa. Three pivotal ecclesiological models emerge: (1) the Church as a mixed body and a bond of love, challenging elitist Donatist perspectives; (2) the relationship between the earthly city and the City of God, probing the Church’s societal role; and (3) the total Christ concept, constituting Augustine’s Christological foundation for the Church’s pilgrimage.
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Anthony Dupont
Holder of the Augustine of Hippo Chair, Research Professor in Christian Antiquity,
Research Unit of History of Church and Theology,
Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven, Belgium
Respondent: Dr Erica Siu-Mui Lee (Professor, Holy Spirit Seminary College of Theology & Philosophy)
Date: 12 March 2024, Tuesday
Organizers: Divinity School of Chung Chi College, Centre for Christian Studies, Centre for Catholic Studies
**This lecture is substantially supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China [Project No.: CUHK 24620421].**