Christology of Anselm of Canterbury

Daniel Deme,

• Contents: Introduction; Part I Credo Ut Intelligam: Prolegomena; The hermeneutic framework; Christ whom we confess; Christ whom we pray. Part II Fall and Disorder: The aesthetics of creation; How grave sin is; The 'origin' of evil. Part III The Necessity and Grace of Satisfaction: The justice, wrath and punishment of God; The necessity of restoration and satisfaction; True God and true Man; Fall versus descent. Part IV The Person and Natures of Christ: Relational level: the Father and the Son; Relational level: Son and Spirit; Personal level: Jesus Christ - God and Man; Excursus: the Son and His Mother. Part V The Work of Christ: God's becoming Man; The life and obedience of Christ; The suffering and humiliation of God in Man. Part VI The Earthly and Heavenly Jerusalem: Life after death; Resurrection after victory; Salvation as liberation. Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

'This book promises to make an important contribution to theological scholarship. The significance of Anselm in the history of western Christian thought is beyond dispute. Deme focuses directly on Anselm's Christology and its implications for the rest of his thought, and Deme convinces me that Christology is the true centre of Anselm's theology and that the lens of Christology illuminates Anselm's theological contribution as a whole.' Andrew Wright, Director, Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture, King's College London, UK 'An important contribution to Anselmian studies. Dr Deme presents an entirely fresh and original approach and has written in a manner to engage readers.' Gillian R. Evans, University of Cambridge, UK 'Anselm, one of the most influential thinkers of the Christian church, is here portrayed by one who obviously is not only well versed in his thought and method by also holds a warm reverence and regard for this Catholic theological thinker... This is a significant contribution to the theological study of one of the Christian church's greatest minds. Deme's book is an impressive and comprehensive study that deserves a place on the shelves of all theological libraries.' Theological Book Review 'This brilliant study is a solid and thoughtful revisiting of the central theme in Anselm's theology, showing its relevance for today.' Theology 'Deme's excellent systematic reading of Anselm of Canterbury is a successful attempt to invite the great medieval thinker back into contemporary discussion... this is an extremely statisfying work... It is a welcome addition to contemporary theology and an illustration of how much there is still to be learned from some of the great Christian thinkers of history.' International Journal of Systematic Theology 'There is an awful lot in this book and it is worthwhile reading, particularly for graduate students and specialists.' Reviews in Religion and Theology 'Deme's study is to be recommended for showing how it is still possible to bring fresh light to bear on writings that we too easily think have already been understood.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History 'Dr Daniel Deme [...] does much to counter the many prevalent misconceptions of Anselm's Christology and soteriology, and so re-establishes him as one of the leading theologians of the Middle Ages... Deme has written a very important and helpful work on Anselm...' The Expository Times 'Deme gives a very sympathetic and careful reading of St. Anselm's writings regarding one of the central themes of perhaps the greatest speculative theologian ever to follow the Rule of St. Benedict. That in itself would make the book a worthwhile contribution. What makes it more interesting is the Reformed or Calvinist perspective from which Deme approaches his subject. For someone familiar with Anselm, reading Deme's book is like listening to a stranger describe a mutual friend.' American Benedictine Review 'Daniel Deme's book [...], a thorough analysis of the great Archbishop's thought from a Protestant point of view, rediscovers an Anselm who is indispensable for theological thinking today... Deme succeeds in providing a clear and yet thorough account of Anselm's theology... it is a stimulating and careful piece of scholarship...' Reformed Theological Review 'Among this work's merits is the care with which Deme has read the complete range of Anselm's writings in order to produce chapters on each of the relevant traditional headings of dogmatic theology.' Journal of Theological Studies