Common Places Davenant Discussions, The Story of Wisdom in Saint Augustine, Session 1
10 snips
Dec 14, 2020 
Dr. Benjamin Quinn, professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Augustine scholar, presents a two-part series on 'The Story of Wisdom in Saint Augustine.' He traces Augustine’s journey to wisdom from childhood through conversion and bishopric. Short segments explore Cicero’s influence, Manichaeism, Ambrose and Platonism, key texts, and how Augustine centers wisdom in Christ.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Quinn's Personal Search For Wisdom Led To Augustine
- Benjamin Quinn recounts his own upbringing and teenage struggle to answer what it means to 'be wise' after his father repeatedly told him to "be wise men."
- That personal longing led him to Augustine, whom he first read as an overwhelmed college student and found relatable, brilliant, and spiritually convicting.
Augustine's Influence Tied To His Focus On Wisdom
- Quinn argues Augustine's intense use of 'wisdom' relates to his outsized influence; Augustine uses sapientia more than any other major church figure.
- He suggests Augustine's prominence as theologian is integrally linked to his sapiential emphasis.
Augustine Defines Wisdom As Christ Incarnate
- Benjamin Quinn defines sapientia as the triune God fully expressed in the incarnate Christ, who by the Spirit gives light and faith to God's people.
- He emphasizes that for Augustine wisdom ultimately centers on Christ rather than only Old Testament hokmah or Hellenistic philosophy.
