Soundings

A theologian of grace par excellence

Bonaventure (1221 – 1274) BONAVENTURE IS ONE of the most important theologians and spiritual writers in the 13th century. Born Giovanni di Fidanza in 1221, he entered the prestigious University…

A model scholar and theologian

Peter Lombard (1096-1161) “Peter Lombard serves as an example of a theologian who is faithful to both Scripture and the Tradition of the Church.” PETER LOMBARD is without doubt one…

The self-appointed watchdog of orthodoxy

Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) A consummate preacher and teacher, Bernard also authored numerous theological treatises on topics as diverse as the doctrine of God, grace and free will. IN BERNARD…

He tried to recast the theory of atonement

Peter Abelard (1079-1142) THE FIRST HALF OF THE 12TH CENTURY produced many outstanding theologians and writers, whose works continue to influence Christian theology in one way or another: Anselm, Peter…

The ‘founder of scholasticism’

ANSELM OF CANTERBURY is one of the most important theologians in the medieval period. Hailed by scholars as the founder of scholasticism, a critical and rational approach to theology, he…

He taught that happiness is found in God

BOETHIUS WAS A CHRISTIAN SCHOLAR and philosopher who lived at the time when the classical world of late antiquity was receding and what scholars call the early Middle Ages was…

Three who stoutly defended the Nicene Creed

The Cappadocians THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 culminated with the composition of the Nicene Creed that clearly affirmed the full deity of the Son. However,…

‘Greatest theologian of 4th century’

Athanasius (296-373 AD) WITHOUT A DOUBT, Athanasius, Bishop and Patriarch of Alexandria, is one of the most important figures in the Church in the Patristic era. Often described as the…
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