Augustine and Calvin : the use of Augustine in Calvin's writings

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The aim of this research is neither to compare the theologies of Augustine and Calvin,nor to establish a theory that reveals Augustine's influence on Calvin's theology. Thisresearch, rather, endeavours to set up a bridge between two types of study on Calvin,namely studies on Calvin's use of Augustine and of Augustine's influence on Calvin'swritings. In other words, our main purpose is to suggest a basic tool (or information) forfurther studies. Three related questions are asked: I. What comprises Augustine'suniqueness in Calvin's writings? 2. Who is Calvin's Augustine? 3. What is the relevanceof this study to current research on Calvin?In Chapter 2, a brief history of earlier research regarding discussion on Calvin andAugustine from the beginning of the zo century is presented. Then critical conversationsfollow. These conversations concerning our theme involve three important scholars,namely L Smits, R J Mooi and J M J Lange van Ravenswaay. Finally, a need for aconverging method which has the possibility of overcoming some methodologicalproblems that arise in studies on Calvin and Augustine is expressed.In the third chapter, the use that Calvin makes of Augustine in his own works from thefirst period of his writing career to the last, fifth, period is thoroughly studied (1532-1565).Chapter 4 deals with data analyses. In between the analysis of static data and the analysisof dynamic data, Smits's study of Augustinian citations in Calvin's writings is dealt withcritically to provide a basic understanding of Augustinian citations.Finally, the answers to the three related questions that are suggested in the introductionare pursued: What comprises Augustine's uniqueness in Calvin's writings? Who isCalvin's Augustine? And what is the relevance of this study to current research on Calvin.The answers will function as a bridge between the two related studies of Calvin's use ofAugustine and Augustine's influence on Calvin.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University