Ambrose, Augustine, and the Pursuit of Greatness

Explore the profound insights of early Christianity in Ambrose, Augustine, and the Pursuit of Greatness by J. Warren Smith. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2020, this hardback edition spans 350 pages and delves into the lives of two pivotal theologians: Ambrose of Milan and Augustine of Hippo. Both thinkers were shaped by the philosophical teachings of Cicero, who emphasized that virtue leads to greatness. However, they grappled with the contrasting ethical ideals of Roman and Christian traditions. This thought-provoking work examines whether these competing visions of greatness can be harmonized. Ideal for scholars and enthusiasts of theology and philosophy, Smith's exploration invites readers to reflect on the complexities of virtue and ethical ideals in a transformative era of religious thought.