Sir 34:30 and Forensic Rhetoric in Augustine’s Conflict with the Donatists
In: Vigiliae ChristianaeSearch for other papers by Adam Ployd in
Current site
Google Scholar
Abstract
The book of Sirach plays a larger part within Augustine’s theology than has hitherto been appreciated. This article helps fill this lacuna by examining the role of Sir 34:30 – “What does the bath profit one who is baptized by a dead man?” – in Augustine’s conflict with the Donatists. In addition to showing the significance of this verse within the conflict, I further argue that it allows us to espy the forensic rhetoric that shapes much of Augustine’s anti-Donatist polemic. In particular, I point to techniques of inventio that provide not merely stylistic but also argumentative forms and approaches that Augustine deploys on several fronts.
Purchase
Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Institutional Login
Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials
Personal login
Log in with your brill.com account
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 244 | 56 | 7 |
| Full Text Views | 34 | 3 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 96 | 13 | 0 |
Sir 34:30 and Forensic Rhetoric in Augustine’s Conflict with the Donatists
In: Vigiliae ChristianaeSearch for other papers by Adam Ployd in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
The book of Sirach plays a larger part within Augustine’s theology than has hitherto been appreciated. This article helps fill this lacuna by examining the role of Sir 34:30 – “What does the bath profit one who is baptized by a dead man?” – in Augustine’s conflict with the Donatists. In addition to showing the significance of this verse within the conflict, I further argue that it allows us to espy the forensic rhetoric that shapes much of Augustine’s anti-Donatist polemic. In particular, I point to techniques of inventio that provide not merely stylistic but also argumentative forms and approaches that Augustine deploys on several fronts.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 244 | 56 | 7 |
| Full Text Views | 34 | 3 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 96 | 13 | 0 |
