Metaxy and the Unrest of Existence in Saint Augustine's Confessions
Date
2002
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The structure and meaning of St. Augustine's Confessions have long puzzled interpreters. By reading the Confessions in light of Eric Voegelin's thought, the question of unity and meaning no longer poses itself. The 13 books form a coherent symbolization of one man's struggle with the In-Between (metaxy) structure of Being, his noetic insight into this structure and the subsequent attempt to express his newfound understanding of reality. Thus understood, the Confessions become a powerful account of a soul's turning around (periag_g_). This approach not only illuminates the nature of Augustine's participation in reality, but also brings Voegelin's symbolization to life, while revealing its full significance and more importantly, its subtleties and limitations.