February 23, 2012

St. Augustine’sOn Christian Doctrine

St. Augustine’sOn Christian Doctrine

A key text that aims to fuse the practice of rhetoric with Christianity

Argues that hermenutics (interpretation of scripture) along with rhetoric is the most effective way to “teach what is right and refute what is wrong”

On Christian Doctrine:Preface

Augustine refutes what he predicts might be likely objections to his work

Shares what he aims to do with his text

On Christian Doctrine:Book IV

Augustine argues that a Christian can and should use rhetoric

Drawing for Christian examples, Augustine argues for the qualities of what he sees to be the ideal orator

Emphasizes that the message is more important than the orator’s ethos or style

St. Augustine’sOn Christian Doctrine

So that’s a quick overview—now let’s break up the text into smaller, more digestible bits.

We’ll get into groups of 3 or 4 and each group will briefly summarize an assigned section then report back to the group.

February 23, 2012

St. Augustine’sOn Christian Doctrine