Description
The first treatise presents Noah as a model just man, as Ambrose pairs the literal and the higher or spiritual meaning of the Genesis flood narrative to address topics ranging from the Genesis narrative to Stoic ethics to the Incarnation. In his defense of David to the emperor Theodosius, Ambrose ties David's sin and repentance to his own close reading of Psalm 51(50), David's plea for himself in his famous "Miserere." While the authenticity of the third treatise included in the volume, the Second Apology of David, has long been challenged, recent scholarship suggests that it transmits Ambrose's own preaching, which applies the lessons of David's life to the situation of gentile unbelievers, Jews, and the church; even if it is the work of
a later imitator, the Second Apology is a compelling and systematic treatment of the David's sin and repentance as relevant to Christian morality and doctrine.
The three treatises, previously unavailable in English translation, broaden our understanding of exegesis in the Latin West and our interpretation of Ambrose as preacher and exegete.
About the Author
Brian P. Dunkle, SJ, is assistant professor of historical theology at Boston College.
Book Information
ISBN 9780813232393
Author St. Ambrose
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint The Catholic University of America Press
Publisher The Catholic University of America Press
Weight(grams) 440g