Sir 34:30 and Forensic Rhetoric in Augustine’s Conflict with the Donatists

Abstract The book of Sirach plays a larger part within Augustine’s theology than has hitherto been appreciated. This article helps fill this lacuna by examining the role of Sir 34:30 – “What does the bath profit one who is baptized by a dead man?” – in Augustine’s conflict with the Donatists. In add...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ployd, Adam (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Brill 2021
In: Vigiliae Christianae
Year: 2021, Volume: 75, Issue: 5, Pages: 556-571
Further subjects:B Augustine
B Baptism
B Donatism
B Rhetoric
B Sirach / Ecclesiasticus
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Summary:Abstract The book of Sirach plays a larger part within Augustine’s theology than has hitherto been appreciated. This article helps fill this lacuna by examining the role of Sir 34:30 – “What does the bath profit one who is baptized by a dead man?” – in Augustine’s conflict with the Donatists. In addition to showing the significance of this verse within the conflict, I further argue that it allows us to espy the forensic rhetoric that shapes much of Augustine’s anti-Donatist polemic. In particular, I point to techniques of inventio that provide not merely stylistic but also argumentative forms and approaches that Augustine deploys on several fronts.
ISSN:1570-0720
Contains:Enthalten in: Vigiliae Christianae
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/15700720-bja10032