Quoting scripture with Anselm of Canterbury – Anselm’s Bible and why it matters
Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) is most famous for the absence of scripture in his arguments. In his best-known contribution to the history of philosophy, the so-called ‘ontological’ argument, he purports to offer a ‘proof’ for God’s existence which stands alone, unsupported by the props of scriptural authority. Yet Anselm was a monk. From his monastic profession at the monastery of Bec to his death as Archbishop of Canterbury some fifty years later, Anselm would have prayed, read, and sung scriptural words every day of his life. And he, like most readers of the Bible, had his favourite verses. Specific quotations crop up again and again in his writings, from his devotional works and his letter collection to the theological dialogues which would make him famous. In this talk, we will explore the presence and absence of scripture in Anselm’s writings, what his scriptural quotations tell us about his theological vision, and why it matters.
Date: 29 October 2024, 16:00 (Tuesday, 3rd week, Michaelmas 2024)
Venue: Venue to be announced
Speaker: Rachel Creswell (Christ Church)
Organiser contact email address: pusey.conference@stx.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Recollection Lectures
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Public
Editor: John Ritzema