LIVING IN HARMONY: The Augustinian Challenge for Today

HARMONY, like "peace," is a term pleasant to the ears, as well as a challenge to the hearts and minds of those living in a fast-paced, and often violent, world. In using the image of a Greek chariot wheel in his major treatises -- "The City of God" and "The Trinity," the North African bishop Augustine of Hippo (354-430) defines harmony as a "rhythm of relationships," a kind of unity with diversity. In this study, the themes of harmony are applied to the notions of selfhood, others, the planet, and with God. Augustine''s understanding of harmony and the spiritual tradition that bears his name provide new insights into creation, prayer, communion, and the Whole Christ. Herein lies the challenge for a Gospel spirituality of harmony to enter into dialogue with other Eastern traditions and discover together new paths to overcome discord and violence.

Autorentext

Robert Dueweke, OSA, is an Augustinian priest, retreat facilitator and Director of the Tepeyac Institute for lay formation/leadership in El Paso, Texas. He served as missionary and Patristics teacher in Peru. He is concerned about connections between Augustinian spirituality and current issues, such as those involving violence.

Klappentext

HARMONY, like "peace," is a term pleasant to the ears, as well as a challenge to the hearts and minds of those living in a fast-paced, and often violent, world. In using the image of a Greek chariot wheel in his major treatises -- "The City of God" and "The Trinity," the North African bishop Augustine of Hippo (354-430) defines harmony as a "rhythm of relationships," a kind of unity with diversity. In this study, the themes of harmony are applied to the notions of selfhood, others, the planet, and with God. Augustine's understanding of harmony and the spiritual tradition that bears his name provide new insights into creation, prayer, communion, and the Whole Christ. Herein lies the challenge for a Gospel spirituality of harmony to enter into dialogue with other Eastern traditions and discover together new paths to overcome discord and violence.