This volume illuminates the work and influences of three leading antique theologians from a different perspective than the usual history of Christian dogma. With his anthropology of freedom, Origen founded scientific Biblical exegesis and theology in line with the standards of his day and laid the foundations for a Christian culture. Jerome was the greatest philologist of the Early Church. Thanks to his knowledge of Hebrew, he transmitted not only Greek but also Jewish Biblical knowledge to the Latin West through his translations and commentaries. Augustine was influenced by both these figures, but in a critical dialogue with them he developed an independent and highly influential Latin theology.

Alfons Fürst, Universität Münster.