This project is a lexical-contextual-theological study of the second
part of De civitate Dei, Books XI to XXII, focusing on how a
‘restoration' word group (comprising the ‘restore' lemma in Latin)
develops through the text. It is show that this word group serves as an
important backbone for Augustine's theology of history, by providing it
with semantic support and relating with its various key elements. The
occurrences of all the Latin lemma carrying the ‘restore' nuance in the
text are identified (by using professional software of Augustinian
studies and through effective communication with affiliated Augustinian
scholars). Then, for each of the three main divisions within De civitate
Dei, namely, Books XI to XIV, Books XV to XVIII and Books XVIX to XXII,
key passages comprising the ‘restore' lemma are studied, in terms of
how they play the lexical function within the given context of the text.
The restoration word group is shown to provide a fresh reading of De
civitate Dei and open up a new perspective of studying Augustine's
theology of history which is so prominent in the work. Specifically,
four restoration dimensions, namely, the restoration of the body and
soul, the restoration of the predestined number of saints, the
restoration of the virtues and morals, the restoration of faith and hope
of the saints on earth, are identified. These restoration dimensions
effectively expresses and connects the key elements of Augustine's
theology of history, namely, universality out of divine providence,
biblicality, Christocentrality and directionality (or linearity).
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