Veiled desire
Book Description
Augustine's complex relationship with women and sexuality continues to shape Christian thought centuries after his death, yet few have examined how his personal experiences influenced his theological conclusions. In "Veiled Desire," Kim Power undertakes a groundbreaking exploration of what Augustine actually wrote about women, moving beyond assumptions to uncover the real foundations of his beliefs.
Power reveals how Augustine's views were shaped by the religious, philosophical, and biological understanding of his era, while also examining the profound influence of key women in his life. His relationship with his devoted mother Monica and his long-term partner who bore his child left deep impressions on his developing theology. Notably, once Augustine became a bishop, he never again maintained close relationships with women, despite providing pastoral care to many.
The author traces Augustine's theological wrestling with fundamental questions: Are women created in God's image? What role should the Virgin Mary play in Christian understanding? Power demonstrates how Augustine's cultural context and psychological circumstances inevitably influenced his answers to these pivotal questions.
Drawing from psychology, anthropology, feminist theory, and theology, this scholarly yet accessible work places Augustine in an entirely new light. For readers seeking to understand how early Christian attitudes toward women and sexuality developed, Power offers essential insights into the theological foundations that continue to influence modern Christianity's approach to these complex issues.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 328 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Femme (Théologie chrétienne)
- ✓ Explore Views on women
- ✓ Explore Women in Christianity
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
- ✓ Explore Et les femmes
