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The Conversion and Therapy of Desire: Augustine's Theology of Desire in the Cassiciacum Dialogues

Paperback |English |1498229395 | 9781498229395

The Conversion and Therapy of Desire: Augustine's Theology of Desire in the Cassiciacum Dialogues

Paperback |English |1498229395 | 9781498229395
Overview

The first fruits of the literary career of St. Augustine, the great theologian and Christian philosopher par excellence, are the dialogues he wrote at Cassiciacum in Italy following his famous conversion in Milan in 386 AD. These four little books, largely neglected by scholars, investigate knowledge, ethics, metaphysics, the problem of evil, and the intriguing relationship of God and the soul. They also take up the ancient philosophical project of identifying the principles and practices that heal human desires in order to attain happiness, renewing this philosophical endeavor with insights from Christian theology. Augustine's later books, such as the Confessions, would continue this project of healing desire, as would the writings of others including Boethius, Anselm, and Aquinas. Mark Boone's The Conversion and Therapy of Desire investigates the roots of this project at Cassiciacum, where Augustine is developing a Christian theology of desire, informed by Neoplatonism but transformed by Christian teaching and practices. ""In this age when 'desire' is defined in ways that are destructive to souls and families, we could hardly do better than to retrieve understandings of the word from Augustine, perhaps the greatest Christian thinker ever. Dr. Boone's fine study is both historically rich and eminently timely."" --Gerald R. McDermott, Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School ""Meticulously researched and well argued, Mark Boone presents a lucid account of the early Augustine's theology of desire. After situating Augustine's moral theory in the context of competing pagan descriptions of the good life, Boone walks the reader through each of the Cassiciacum dialogues to show how, at every turn, Augustine's faith in the Trinitarian and incarnate God has prompted him to adapt and to transform this central moral category."" --Ryan Topping, Fellow of Thomas More College, New Hampshire ""What is a human being? Mark Boone, a courageous young scholar who is leading the way in Augustinian studies, in this fine book also asks this question. Dr. Boone tells us in his investigation of the early Augustine at Cassiciacum shortly after his conversion, the answer to this question--one asked by the 'sweet psalmist of Israel' in Psalm 8:4--what is man? We are lovers. We are people of desire. By God's grace, we all need conversion and a therapy of our desires. Dr. Boone speaks eloquently about Augustine's early (and lifelong) views. We learn about Augustine's perspective of true happiness, and we have an answer to a most puzzling question. Five stars for this volume."" --David Naugle, Professor of Philosophy and Distinguished University Professor, Dallas Baptist University; Author of Reordered Loves, Reordered Lives: Learning the Deep Meaning of Happiness (2008) ""Most of the best contemporary theology is being done under the rubric of 'historical theology, ' and so all theologians must read Professor Boone's book. He presents the basic options--as true today as in Augustine's time: Epicurean materialism with its attempt to repress hope and moderate desire in the face of everlasting death; Stoic fatalism or determinism for which desire must be rendered docile to whatever happens; and desire for God according to which humans are created irrepressibly to desire union with the immaterial God who comes to us in Christ Jesus and his Church. Boone makes a superb contribution to the ongoing discussion of Augustine's early writings. Above all, he makes crystal clear how much we could gain by being taught anew by Augustine, how much each of us--and our communities--need him today!"" --Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry, Jr. Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary ""The Cassiciacum dialogues are Augustine's earliest writings on theology and philosophy, but have been overshadowed by his later works. Boone shows the importance of the Cassiciacum texts in their own right--as developing a uniquely Christian account of desire and its
ISBN: 1498229395
ISBN13: 9781498229395
Author: Mark J. Boone
Publisher: Pickwick Publications
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2016-04-21
Language: English
PageCount: 212
Dimensions: 6.0 x 0.48 x 9.0 inches
Weight: 11.2 ounces

The first fruits of the literary career of St. Augustine, the great theologian and Christian philosopher par excellence, are the dialogues he wrote at Cassiciacum in Italy following his famous conversion in Milan in 386 AD. These four little books, largely neglected by scholars, investigate knowledge, ethics, metaphysics, the problem of evil, and the intriguing relationship of God and the soul. They also take up the ancient philosophical project of identifying the principles and practices that heal human desires in order to attain happiness, renewing this philosophical endeavor with insights from Christian theology. Augustine's later books, such as the Confessions, would continue this project of healing desire, as would the writings of others including Boethius, Anselm, and Aquinas. Mark Boone's The Conversion and Therapy of Desire investigates the roots of this project at Cassiciacum, where Augustine is developing a Christian theology of desire, informed by Neoplatonism but transformed by Christian teaching and practices. ""In this age when 'desire' is defined in ways that are destructive to souls and families, we could hardly do better than to retrieve understandings of the word from Augustine, perhaps the greatest Christian thinker ever. Dr. Boone's fine study is both historically rich and eminently timely."" --Gerald R. McDermott, Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School ""Meticulously researched and well argued, Mark Boone presents a lucid account of the early Augustine's theology of desire. After situating Augustine's moral theory in the context of competing pagan descriptions of the good life, Boone walks the reader through each of the Cassiciacum dialogues to show how, at every turn, Augustine's faith in the Trinitarian and incarnate God has prompted him to adapt and to transform this central moral category."" --Ryan Topping, Fellow of Thomas More College, New Hampshire ""What is a human being? Mark Boone, a courageous young scholar who is leading the way in Augustinian studies, in this fine book also asks this question. Dr. Boone tells us in his investigation of the early Augustine at Cassiciacum shortly after his conversion, the answer to this question--one asked by the 'sweet psalmist of Israel' in Psalm 8:4--what is man? We are lovers. We are people of desire. By God's grace, we all need conversion and a therapy of our desires. Dr. Boone speaks eloquently about Augustine's early (and lifelong) views. We learn about Augustine's perspective of true happiness, and we have an answer to a most puzzling question. Five stars for this volume."" --David Naugle, Professor of Philosophy and Distinguished University Professor, Dallas Baptist University; Author of Reordered Loves, Reordered Lives: Learning the Deep Meaning of Happiness (2008) ""Most of the best contemporary theology is being done under the rubric of 'historical theology, ' and so all theologians must read Professor Boone's book. He presents the basic options--as true today as in Augustine's time: Epicurean materialism with its attempt to repress hope and moderate desire in the face of everlasting death; Stoic fatalism or determinism for which desire must be rendered docile to whatever happens; and desire for God according to which humans are created irrepressibly to desire union with the immaterial God who comes to us in Christ Jesus and his Church. Boone makes a superb contribution to the ongoing discussion of Augustine's early writings. Above all, he makes crystal clear how much we could gain by being taught anew by Augustine, how much each of us--and our communities--need him today!"" --Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry, Jr. Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary ""The Cassiciacum dialogues are Augustine's earliest writings on theology and philosophy, but have been overshadowed by his later works. Boone shows the importance of the Cassiciacum texts in their own right--as developing a uniquely Christian account of desire and its

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If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

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Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

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If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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Overview

The first fruits of the literary career of St. Augustine, the great theologian and Christian philosopher par excellence, are the dialogues he wrote at Cassiciacum in Italy following his famous conversion in Milan in 386 AD. These four little books, largely neglected by scholars, investigate knowledge, ethics, metaphysics, the problem of evil, and the intriguing relationship of God and the soul. They also take up the ancient philosophical project of identifying the principles and practices that heal human desires in order to attain happiness, renewing this philosophical endeavor with insights from Christian theology. Augustine's later books, such as the Confessions, would continue this project of healing desire, as would the writings of others including Boethius, Anselm, and Aquinas. Mark Boone's The Conversion and Therapy of Desire investigates the roots of this project at Cassiciacum, where Augustine is developing a Christian theology of desire, informed by Neoplatonism but transformed by Christian teaching and practices. ""In this age when 'desire' is defined in ways that are destructive to souls and families, we could hardly do better than to retrieve understandings of the word from Augustine, perhaps the greatest Christian thinker ever. Dr. Boone's fine study is both historically rich and eminently timely."" --Gerald R. McDermott, Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School ""Meticulously researched and well argued, Mark Boone presents a lucid account of the early Augustine's theology of desire. After situating Augustine's moral theory in the context of competing pagan descriptions of the good life, Boone walks the reader through each of the Cassiciacum dialogues to show how, at every turn, Augustine's faith in the Trinitarian and incarnate God has prompted him to adapt and to transform this central moral category."" --Ryan Topping, Fellow of Thomas More College, New Hampshire ""What is a human being? Mark Boone, a courageous young scholar who is leading the way in Augustinian studies, in this fine book also asks this question. Dr. Boone tells us in his investigation of the early Augustine at Cassiciacum shortly after his conversion, the answer to this question--one asked by the 'sweet psalmist of Israel' in Psalm 8:4--what is man? We are lovers. We are people of desire. By God's grace, we all need conversion and a therapy of our desires. Dr. Boone speaks eloquently about Augustine's early (and lifelong) views. We learn about Augustine's perspective of true happiness, and we have an answer to a most puzzling question. Five stars for this volume."" --David Naugle, Professor of Philosophy and Distinguished University Professor, Dallas Baptist University; Author of Reordered Loves, Reordered Lives: Learning the Deep Meaning of Happiness (2008) ""Most of the best contemporary theology is being done under the rubric of 'historical theology, ' and so all theologians must read Professor Boone's book. He presents the basic options--as true today as in Augustine's time: Epicurean materialism with its attempt to repress hope and moderate desire in the face of everlasting death; Stoic fatalism or determinism for which desire must be rendered docile to whatever happens; and desire for God according to which humans are created irrepressibly to desire union with the immaterial God who comes to us in Christ Jesus and his Church. Boone makes a superb contribution to the ongoing discussion of Augustine's early writings. Above all, he makes crystal clear how much we could gain by being taught anew by Augustine, how much each of us--and our communities--need him today!"" --Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry, Jr. Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary ""The Cassiciacum dialogues are Augustine's earliest writings on theology and philosophy, but have been overshadowed by his later works. Boone shows the importance of the Cassiciacum texts in their own right--as developing a uniquely Christian account of desire and its
ISBN: 1498229395
ISBN13: 9781498229395
Author: Mark J. Boone
Publisher: Pickwick Publications
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2016-04-21
Language: English
PageCount: 212
Dimensions: 6.0 x 0.48 x 9.0 inches
Weight: 11.2 ounces

The first fruits of the literary career of St. Augustine, the great theologian and Christian philosopher par excellence, are the dialogues he wrote at Cassiciacum in Italy following his famous conversion in Milan in 386 AD. These four little books, largely neglected by scholars, investigate knowledge, ethics, metaphysics, the problem of evil, and the intriguing relationship of God and the soul. They also take up the ancient philosophical project of identifying the principles and practices that heal human desires in order to attain happiness, renewing this philosophical endeavor with insights from Christian theology. Augustine's later books, such as the Confessions, would continue this project of healing desire, as would the writings of others including Boethius, Anselm, and Aquinas. Mark Boone's The Conversion and Therapy of Desire investigates the roots of this project at Cassiciacum, where Augustine is developing a Christian theology of desire, informed by Neoplatonism but transformed by Christian teaching and practices. ""In this age when 'desire' is defined in ways that are destructive to souls and families, we could hardly do better than to retrieve understandings of the word from Augustine, perhaps the greatest Christian thinker ever. Dr. Boone's fine study is both historically rich and eminently timely."" --Gerald R. McDermott, Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School ""Meticulously researched and well argued, Mark Boone presents a lucid account of the early Augustine's theology of desire. After situating Augustine's moral theory in the context of competing pagan descriptions of the good life, Boone walks the reader through each of the Cassiciacum dialogues to show how, at every turn, Augustine's faith in the Trinitarian and incarnate God has prompted him to adapt and to transform this central moral category."" --Ryan Topping, Fellow of Thomas More College, New Hampshire ""What is a human being? Mark Boone, a courageous young scholar who is leading the way in Augustinian studies, in this fine book also asks this question. Dr. Boone tells us in his investigation of the early Augustine at Cassiciacum shortly after his conversion, the answer to this question--one asked by the 'sweet psalmist of Israel' in Psalm 8:4--what is man? We are lovers. We are people of desire. By God's grace, we all need conversion and a therapy of our desires. Dr. Boone speaks eloquently about Augustine's early (and lifelong) views. We learn about Augustine's perspective of true happiness, and we have an answer to a most puzzling question. Five stars for this volume."" --David Naugle, Professor of Philosophy and Distinguished University Professor, Dallas Baptist University; Author of Reordered Loves, Reordered Lives: Learning the Deep Meaning of Happiness (2008) ""Most of the best contemporary theology is being done under the rubric of 'historical theology, ' and so all theologians must read Professor Boone's book. He presents the basic options--as true today as in Augustine's time: Epicurean materialism with its attempt to repress hope and moderate desire in the face of everlasting death; Stoic fatalism or determinism for which desire must be rendered docile to whatever happens; and desire for God according to which humans are created irrepressibly to desire union with the immaterial God who comes to us in Christ Jesus and his Church. Boone makes a superb contribution to the ongoing discussion of Augustine's early writings. Above all, he makes crystal clear how much we could gain by being taught anew by Augustine, how much each of us--and our communities--need him today!"" --Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry, Jr. Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary ""The Cassiciacum dialogues are Augustine's earliest writings on theology and philosophy, but have been overshadowed by his later works. Boone shows the importance of the Cassiciacum texts in their own right--as developing a uniquely Christian account of desire and its

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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