Other than Paul, no writer has had greater influence on the theology of justification than Augustine. This landmark study fills an astonishing lacuna in scholarship, offering the first comprehensive study of Augustine's theology of justification. Bringing an innovative approach to the topic, Christopher Mooney follows Augustine's own insistence that justification in Scripture is impossible to define apart from a precise understanding of faith. He argues that Augustine came to distinguish three distinct senses of faith, which are motivated by fear, hope, or love. These three types of faith result in very different accounts of justification. To demonstrate this insight, Mooney offers a developmental reading of Augustine, from his earliest to his latest writings, with special focus on the nature of justification, faith, hope, baptism, Augustine's reading of Paul, the Pelagian controversy, and Christology. Clear and engaging, Mooney's study of Augustine also illuminates numerous related issues, such as his theology of grace, the virtues, biblical exegesis, and the sacraments.

‘A landmark study in Augustine’s doctrine of justification, which goes far beyond traditional analyses of his views on grace to unfold the inner dynamic of the ‘righteousness of faith’ in the Christian life.’

Alister E. McGrath - Emeritus Andreos Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, University of Oxford

‘This book provides a much-needed extended treatment of Augustine’s developing thought on the contested topic of faith. Mooney’s thorough, balanced, and clear analysis equips readers to appreciate the richness, complexity, and depth of Augustine’s perspectives. The reader emerges with a nuanced understanding of Augustine’s account of justification by faith; a sense of the powerful synergy between God’s gifts of faith, hope, and love; and a compelling vision of the central role of faith in Augustine’s theology.’

Han-luen Kantzer Komline - Marvin and Jerene DeWitt Professor of Theology and Church History, Western Theological Seminary

‘This book represents the most substantive study produced to date on the theology of justification in the writings of St. Augustine. What is the righteousness of Christ of which St. Paul speaks, and how should we understand the inner transformation of the human person who is redeemed by the grace of Christ? This work provides us with a systematic, accessible analysis of Augustine’s answers to these questions as they developed through the course of his writing career. This book has important consequences for our understanding of later theories of justification in the medieval and reformation eras, and it can serve as a helpful touchstone for ecumenical conversations. A formidable resource on a subject of vital importance.’

Thomas Joseph White - OP, Rector, Angelicum

‘In this wide-ranging study, Christopher Mooney traces Augustine’s distinctive and ever-expanding understanding of faith as the key to his interpretation of justification. Mooney’s analysis often rhymes with certain recent studies of Paul: faith and justification are thick, rich, participatory realities. Augustine’s creative focus on Christ and the Trinity, faith and baptism, faith and faithfulness, faith and love, state and process, and much more come to light in this significant contribution.’

Michael J. Gorman - Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, St. Mary’s Seminary & University, Baltimore, Maryland