Two unknown St. Augustine sermons authenticated on medieval manuscript
Fox News • • world
Key Points:
- Two previously unknown sermons by St. Augustine have been authenticated, revealing new theological ideas not found in his surviving works, according to research by Christian Tornau, a Latin professor at the University of Würzburg.
- The sermons, found in a 12th-century manuscript likely copied from a lost earlier source, explore the Old Testament story of King Saul and the Witch of Endor, addressing theodicy and suggesting Saul’s possible repentance and salvation.
- Tornau highlights that Augustine’s interpretation of Saul’s redemption is unprecedented in ancient Christianity and reflects Augustine’s intellectual independence and belief in salvation through God's grace for even the most seemingly evil individuals.
- The sermons are confidently dated to Late Antiquity based on their liturgical style and North African background, consistent with Augustine’s era and thought, supporting their authenticity despite initial scholarly skepticism.
- Tornau is preparing to publish the sermons in a scholarly edition after nearly two years of research, marking a significant contribution to the study of one of Christianity’s most influential Church Fathers.
