An Ecclesiology of Groaning: Augustine,the Psalms,and the Making of Church

Abstract

[The author offers a new approach to Augustine's understanding of Church and exegesis by concentrating on his practice of preaching about the psalms. More than other biblical books, the psalms were conceived not principally as texts to be explained. Rather, they were the “voice of the whole Christ” that gave expression to a wide variety of experiences of the ecclesial body. The practice/performance of Augustine's preaching is itself theologically significant. Attention to the theological dynamics of his biblical interpretation not only suggests the need to revise categories of “exegesis” and “ecclesiology” when speaking about Augustine but also offers insight into a Church that continues to groan under the burden of scandal.]