Seducing Augustine: Bodies, Desires, Confessions by Virginia Burrus – A Critical Study of Eroticism and Asceticism in Au

Introduction

Seducing Augustine: Bodies, Desires, Confessions is a provocative and intellectually daring exploration of one of the most influential texts in Western religious and philosophical thought—Augustine’s Confessions. Written by Virginia Burrus, along with co-authors Mark Jordan and Karmen MacKendrick, this hardcover volume from Fordham University Press invites readers to engage with Augustine’s work not as a static theological treatise, but as a living, seductive text that continues to speak to questions of desire, embodiment, and the limits of language. For Indian readers and students of philosophy, theology, and gender studies, this book offers a fresh, nuanced perspective on how ancient Christian thought intersects with contemporary concerns about the body and eroticism.

Book Overview

This book is a collaborative effort that reads Augustine’s Confessions with a bold and affectionate eye. Rather than defending or condemning Augustine’s views on sexuality, the authors choose to respond to his text’s own seductive power. They explore how the Confessions intertwines secrecy with confession, asceticism with eroticism, and constraint with freedom. Through four interlinked themes—secrecy and confession, asceticism and eroticism, constraint and freedom, time and eternity—the book uncovers the complex dance between seductive flesh and persuasive words. It does not seek to expose Augustine’s personal sexual history but rather to delve into the fictional, hidden, and imaginary dimensions of his narrative. This is a work that embraces ambiguity and passion, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of religion, literature, and desire.

Key Highlights

• Original Collaboration: Three scholars bring their distinct expertise to create a multifaceted reading of Augustine’s Confessions.
• Focus on Seduction: The book treats Augustine’s text as an active agent of seduction, inviting readers into a dynamic relationship.
• Thematic Depth: Explores four core themes that resonate with both ancient and modern sensibilities.
• Critical yet Affectionate: Balances scholarly critique with a deep appreciation for Augustine’s literary and philosophical achievements.
• Relevant to Indian Readers: Engages with universal questions of desire, identity, and spirituality that transcend cultural boundaries.

Inside the Book

The book is structured around four thematic clusters that guide the reader through Augustine’s text. In the first section, the authors examine the interplay of secrecy and confession, showing how hidden truths and public revelations shape Augustine’s narrative. The second section delves into asceticism and eroticism, revealing how bodily renunciation can itself become a form of desire. The third section explores the tension between constraint and freedom, questioning how Augustine’s theology of grace interacts with human will. The final section reflects on time and eternity, considering how the Confessions uses memory and anticipation to create a timeless dialogue. Each chapter is a close, passionate reading that refuses to simplify Augustine’s complexity, making the book a rich resource for advanced students and scholars.

Key Topics

• Augustine’s Confessions as a seductive and literary text
• The relationship between desire, body, and Christian theology
• Secrecy, confession, and the construction of identity
• Asceticism as an erotic practice
• Freedom and constraint in spiritual life
• Time, memory, and eternity in Augustine’s thought
• Gender and sexuality in early Christian discourse

Reader Benefits

This book offers Indian readers a unique opportunity to engage with Western patristic thought through a contemporary, critical lens. It challenges conventional readings of Augustine and opens up new ways of thinking about the body and desire in religious contexts. For students of philosophy, theology, and literature, it provides a model of how to read a classic text with both rigor and passion. The authors’ accessible yet sophisticated prose makes complex ideas understandable without oversimplifying them. Additionally, the book encourages readers to reflect on their own relationship with texts, desire, and spirituality, making it a transformative reading experience.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain a deeper understanding of Augustine’s Confessions as a literary and theological work
• Analyze the role of desire and embodiment in early Christian thought
• Critically engage with themes of secrecy, confession, and identity
• Explore the intersections of asceticism and eroticism
• Develop skills in reading ancient texts through contemporary theoretical frameworks
• Understand the cultural and historical context of Augustine’s writings

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for postgraduate students and researchers in philosophy, religious studies, theology, gender studies, and comparative literature. It is also suitable for advanced undergraduate students who are familiar with Augustine’s Confessions and seek a deeper, more critical engagement. Indian readers interested in the history of sexuality, Christian spirituality, or the philosophy of desire will find this work particularly rewarding. Additionally, writers and thinkers who appreciate bold, interdisciplinary scholarship will be captivated by the authors’ approach.

About the Author

Virginia Burrus is a renowned scholar of early Christian history and literature, known for her work on the body, sexuality, and gender in late antiquity. She has written extensively on the intersections of Christian theology and contemporary theory. Her co-authors, Mark Jordan and Karmen MacKendrick, are equally distinguished in their fields—Jordan in Christian ethics and queer theology, and MacKendrick in philosophy and cultural theory. Together, they bring a wealth of interdisciplinary expertise to this collaborative project, ensuring that Seducing Augustine is both rigorous and imaginative.

About the Publisher

Fordham University Press is a prestigious academic publisher based in New York, known for its high-quality books in the humanities and social sciences. With a focus on philosophy, theology, and cultural studies, Fordham University Press has a long tradition of publishing innovative and thought-provoking works. This hardcover edition reflects the press’s commitment to scholarly excellence and durable production, making it a valuable addition to any academic library or personal collection.

Conclusion

Seducing Augustine: Bodies, Desires, Confessions is not just a book about Augustine; it is an invitation to fall in love with a text anew. For Indian readers who seek to understand the deep currents of desire, faith, and philosophy that shape human experience, this volume offers a rare blend of intellectual rigor and passionate engagement. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or a curious reader, this book will challenge, inspire, and seduce you into a deeper conversation with one of history’s greatest thinkers. Order your copy today from Bookshops.in and embark on a journey that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.