Lying: An Augustinian Theology of Duplicity - Softcover

Griffiths, Paul J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 158743086X ISBN 13: 9781587430862

Publisher: Brazos Press, 2004

Synopsis

Most people would agree that compulsive lying is a "sickness." In his provocative Lying, Paul Griffiths suggests that consistent truth telling might evoke a similar response. After all, isn't unremitting honesty often associated with stupidity, insanity, and fanatical sainthood? Drawing from Augustine's writings, and contrasting them with the work of other Christian and non-Christian thinkers, Griffiths deals with the two great questions concerning lying: What is it to lie? When, if ever, should or may a lie be told? Examining Augustine's answers to these questions, Griffiths grapples with the difficulty of those answers while rendering them more accessible. With rhetorical savvy Augustine himself would applaud, Griffiths aims to "seduce" rather than argue his readers into agreement with Augustine. Augustine's historically significant, characteristically Christian, and undeniably radical thoughts on lying ignite Griffiths's searching discussion of this challenging and crucial topic. Marvelously erudite and energetic, Lying will draw Augustine enthusiasts, students of ethics, and anyone who is committed to living a more honest life.

About this title

About the Author:

Paul J. Griffiths is the Schmitt Chair of Catholic studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He is the author of many books, including Christianity through Non-Christian Eyes and An Apology for Apologetics: A Study in the Logic of Interreligious Dialogue.

About this edition

• Publisher: Brazos Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 158743086X
• ISBN 13: 9781587430862
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256