Alcuin: Theology and Thought

Scholar, ecclesiastic, teacher and poet of the eighth century, Alcuin can be seen as a true hidden saint of the Church, of the same stature and significance as his predecessor Bede. His love of God and his grasp of Christian theology were rendered original in their creative impact by his gifts as a teacher and poet. In his hands, the very traditional theology that he inherited, and to which he felt bound, took new wings. In that respect, he must rank as one of the most notable and influential of Anglo-Saxon Christians, uniting English and continental Christianity in a unique manner, which left a lasting legacy within the Catholic Church of Western Europe. This book is intended for the general reader as well as for those studying, teaching or researching this period of early medieval history and theology in schools and universities. Introduction by Dr Rowan Williams.Table of ContentsPart One : Alcuin’s formation & reputation1. The legacy of Bede2. Formation at York3. Scholars at Charlemagne’s court4. Controversy over ImagesPart Two : Adoptionism5. Spanish Adoptionism6. The Frankish Reaction7. Felix & Alcuin8. Alcuin’s De FidePart Three : Mission, Episcopacy & Monarchy9. Mission10. Hagiography11. Alcuin & the Bishops12. King Dei GratiaPart Four : The Bible13. The Tours scriptorium14. Alcuin & the Old Testament15. Alcuin & the New TestamentPart Five : Prayer16. Cultivating prayer17. Penitence18. LiturgyPart Six : Education19. The Teacher20. Cultivating the Mind21. Theology for the laityPart Seven : Poetry 22. The poet & his friends23. The poet at work24. Theology of friendship Read more