Alcuin: Theology and Thought

Scholar, ecclesiastic, teacher and poet of the eighth century, Alcuin can be seen as a true hidden saint of the Church, of the same stature and significance as his predecessor Bede. His love of God and his grasp of Christian theology were rendered original in their creative impact by his gifts as a teacher and poet. In his hands, the very traditional theology that he inherited, and to which he felt bound, took new wings. In that respect, he must rank as one of the most notable and influential of Anglo-Saxon Christians, uniting English and continental Christianity in a unique manner, which left a lasting legacy within the Catholic Church of Western Europe. This book is intended for the general reader as well as for those studying, teaching or researching this period of early medieval history and theology in schools and universities. Introduction by Dr Rowan Williams.

Table of Contents

Part One : Alcuin’s formation & reputation
1. The legacy of Bede
2. Formation at York
3. Scholars at Charlemagne’s court
4. Controversy over Images
Part Two : Adoptionism
5. Spanish Adoptionism
6. The Frankish Reaction
7. Felix & Alcuin
8. Alcuin’s De Fide
Part Three : Mission, Episcopacy & Monarchy
9. Mission
10. Hagiography
11. Alcuin & the Bishops
12. King Dei Gratia
Part Four : The Bible
13. The Tours scriptorium
14. Alcuin & the Old Testament
15. Alcuin & the New Testament
Part Five : Prayer
16. Cultivating prayer
17. Penitence
18. Liturgy
Part Six : Education
19. The Teacher
20. Cultivating the Mind
21. Theology for the laity
Part Seven : Poetry
22. The poet & his friends
23. The poet at work
24. Theology of friendship