The Nature and Destiny of Niebuhr’s Augustine

This essay poses a twofold question regarding the Augustine who influenced Niebuhr’s work: to which of many versions was Niebuhr drawn? What has happened this across reception thought? As first matter, I argue that helped resolve long-standing questions not by pessimistic realist, but rather distinctively analogical Augustine, mediated through work Polish Jesuit Erich Przywara, understands there be an ‘in and beyond’ relation between God creation, Church world, ultimate penultimate. second is marked repeating structure intended avoid. turned in effort avoid back forth exaggerated accounts continuity discontinuity world; Barthian reading depicted as inflated vision strong statement appropriate response. has, turn, summoned fresh from contemporary thinkers. aim show accurately situating helps us see his perpetuated difficulty he sought address, may, all along, have presented alternative.