This study proceeds from an investigation of the significance of the Christian doctrine of creatio ex nihilo in some of the key components of St. Augustine's extended anti-Manichaean polemic. To a great extent, his devastating critique of the Manichaeans' world view, their conception of evil, and their most fundamental theological presuppositions relied heavily upon the affirmation that God ultimately created everything that exists from nothing.

Theologian N. Joseph Torchia investigates some of the key components of St. Augustine's theology of creation, specifically his discussion of the Christian doctrine of creatio ex nihilo. He then shows how Augustine developed the doctrine in his writings, particularly in his anti-Manichaean polemic. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

In 1990, New City Press, in conjunction with the Augustinian Heritage Institute, began the project known as: The Works of Saint Augustine, A Translation for the 21st Century. The plan is to translate and publish all 132 works of Saint Augustine, his entire corpus into modern English. This represents the first time in which The Works of Saint Augustine will all be translated into English. Many existing translations were often archaic or faulty, and the scholarship was outdated. New City Press is proud to offer the best modern translations available. The Works of Saint Augustine, A Translation for the 21st Century will be translated into 49 published books. To date, 41 books have been published by NCP containing 93 of The Works of Saint Augustine, A Translation for the 21st Century. Augustine's writings are useful to anyone interested in patristics, church history, theology and Western civilization. -- Publisher.

How might premodern exegesis of Genesis inform Christian debates about creation today? Pastor and theologian Gavin Ortlund retrieves Augustine's reading of Genesis 1-3 and considers how his premodern understanding of creation can help Christians today, shedding light on matters such as evolution, animal death, and the historical Adam and Eve.

Papers presented at the Twelfth International Conference on Patristic Studies held in Oxford 1995 (see also Studia Patristica 29, 30, 31 and 32). The Twelfth International Conference on Patristic Studies met in Oxford from 21 to 26 August 1995. These gatherings have assembled at four-yearly intervals since 1951. At each the number of papers presented has been greater than the previous occasion, and the size of the assembly is now limited only by the capacity of the buildings available. Some 650 scholars attended the 1995 Conference, including delegates from Russia, Georgia, India, Japan, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as from North America and most countries in Europe. Papers were given in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish, and are normally printed in the language in which they were delivered. Some were fully developed lectures lasting for nearly an hour; the majority were communications of 12 minutes' duration: and a few came in between. These volumes contain 284 of the papers, including most of the lectures given in full session, viz. the Inaugural Address by Dr. H.D. Saffrey on 'Theology as a Science'; Prof. Dr. Suso Frank, 'John Cassian on John Cassian'; Prof. Dr. O. Skarsaune; 'Is Christianity Monotheistic ? Patristic Perspectives on a Jewish-Christian Debate'; and Prof. A. Louth, 'St. Maximus the Confessor: Between East and West'. Others report the finding of unpublished texts, deal with particular points, or present broad interpretations, sometimes original in character. For the first time a number of illustrations are included, reflecting the growing interest in iconography.