St Bonaventure of Bagnoregio's The Soul's Journey into God is a masterpiece of thirteenth-century Scholasticism, but until now no comprehensive analysis of Bonaventure's seminal treatise has existed that is readily accessible to contemporary audiences. Reinvigorating the medieval tradition of critical commentary for the twenty-first century, A Way into Scholasticism introduces readers to basic Scholastic concepts and arguments by expounding and evaluating Bonaventure's speculative system, while highlighting the relevance of Bonaventure's thought for contemporary philosophical theology.
Dillard stresses the sophistication of Bonaventure's writing, introducing the reader to a number of fundamental questions raised by the text in epistemology, metaphysics, the philosophy of mind, dogmatic theology, and contemplative mysticism. He reveals a richness of conceptual resources and perspectives that spans the Platonic, Neoplatonic and Aristotelian traditions, as well as the thought of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. Dillard also offers his own highly engaging comments on the treatise, developing the Seraphic Doctor's insights into lines of thought for further consideration by the reader.
This book will appeal to a wide audience including seminarians, clergy, brothers and sisters of religious orders, students at the advanced undergraduate or graduate levels, professional scholars, and anyone seeking a better understanding of the Scholastic intellectual tradition and its importance in illuminating Christian belief.