Description
Book SynopsisThis volume contains essays on an array of topics originally presented orally by a master teacher and scholar. With characteristic rhetorical elegance, Msgr. Synan, late professor at the Pontifical Institute in Toronto, delivered these papers in a variety of settings on issues relating to his specialty of mediaeval Christian philosophy and to his interest in Jewish-Christian dialogue, on the theology of sanctity and of death, and on morally significant historical events. Medieval figures represented here include Aquinas, Augustine, Abelard, and Godfrey of St. Victor; some topics treated are war and peace, philosophical innovations, ecclesiology, evil, goliardic verse, law and abortion, Church councils and Jews in the Middle Ages, and convictions uniting Jews and Christians. This book also contains representative sermons–including a Month’s Mind for Etienne Gilson, an introduction detailing Synan’s background and professional contributions, an updated bibliography of his published works, and an extensive index. Especially appealing to those who knew Synan are three posthumous tributes and thirteen photographs from throughout his life. The selections in this volume are scholarly but non-technical, intended for anyone moved to seek elucidation of the topics discussed.
Trade Review“Both those who knew E.A. Synan and those who did not will appreciate this carefully edited collection of his previously unpublished papers. They show not only the breadth of Synan’s well-known interests in medieval philosophy and theology and in Jewish-Christian relations, but also the considerable depth of his humanity.” – Paul V. Spade, Professor of Philosophy, Indiana University
Table of ContentsFrontispiece List of Illustrations Preface Introduction Acknowledgments Medieval Figures The Innovations of Aquinas The Conversions of Augustine Thomas Aquinas: “Evil is found in the world” Augustine on War and Peace The Ecclesiology of Augustine Abelard’s Moslem as a Good Pagan Verses and Wisdom in the Twelfth Century Jewish-Christian Relations Shadows on the Cavern Wall The Church and the Jews: The Dialogue of Yesteryear—As Christians Heard It The Church and the Jews after the Fourth Lateran Council (1215) What Unites Jews and Christians? Selected Topics The Theology of Sanctity The Theology of Suffering and Dying Captain Dreyfus and the Third Man Convocation Addresses and Sermons Convocation Addresses Five Sermons Three Tributes Bibliography of Edward A. Synan’s Published Works About the Editor Illustrations Index
