Augustine and the Functions of Concupiscence

Augustine s ideas of sinful desire, including its sexual manifestations, have fueled controversies for centuries. In "Augustine and the Functions of Concupiscence," Timo Nisula analyses Augustine s own theological and philosophical concerns in his extensive writings about evil desire ("concupiscentia, cupiditas, libido"). Beginning with a terminological survey of the vocabulary of desire, the book demonstrates how the concept of evil desire was tightly linked with Augustine s fundamental theological views of divine justice, the origin of evil, Christian virtues and grace. This book offers a comprehensive account of Augustine s developing views of concupiscence and provides an innovative, in-depth picture of the theological imagination behind disputed ideas of sex, temptation and moral responsibility.