Universität zu Köln

Bettenworth, Anja (2020). Literarisches Schaffen als imitatio Christi in der Augustinusvita des Possidius. In: For Example. Martyrdom and Imitation in Early Christian Texts and Art, pp. 193-214. Paderborn: Wilhelm Fink. ISBN 978-3-7705-6526-9

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Abstract

In Christian hagiography, the successful imitatio Christi of a saint – especially if he or she is not a martyr – is frequently demonstrated by miracles. Yet, in the life of Saint Augustin, written by Possidius, miracles are rarely mentioned. Instead, Possidius introduces a new element: Augustine’s literary achievements which have a similar edifying effect as the wonders of other saints and even surpass them as they speak not only to those present, but also to future generations. The substitution of traditional miracles by literary works is surprising since Christ did not leave any writings of his own. For Possidius, the decisive point is the edifying effect of such literary achievements. When he prays to become an imitator et aemulator of Augustine, he ultimately wishes to lend a comparable service to the Christians as his teacher. While Augustine was concerned with the defense and preservation of the faith against heretic groups, Possidius sees his task in defending Augustinus’ legacy in the face of the Vandal invasion of North Africa. The bold idea that he may, in his own way, become a second Augustine is facilitated by the fact that Augustine is portrayed as a new Ambrose in Possidius’ Life.

Item Type:	Book Section, Proceedings Item or annotation in a legal commentary
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Bettenworth, Anja UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Editors:	Editors Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Bettenworth, Anja UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Boschung, Dietrich UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Formisano, Marco UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-461518
Title of Book:	For Example. Martyrdom and Imitation in Early Christian Texts and Art
Series Name at the University of Cologne:	Morphomata
Volume:	43
Page Range:	pp. 193-214
Number of Pages:	278, 16
Date:	2020
Publisher:	Wilhelm Fink
Place of Publication:	Paderborn
ISSN:	2511-2341
ISBN:	978-3-7705-6526-9
Language:	German
Faculty:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > Fächergruppe 2: Archäologie, Altertumskunde und Kulturen des Mittelmeerraums > Institut für Altertumskunde > Klassische Philologie
Subjects:	Christian theology Italic Latin History of ancient world
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Frühchristentum German Literatur German
Related URLs:	Publication
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/46151