Anselm of Canterbury and the Search for God

This volume provides a broad interpretation of Anselm’s theological method through a study of his Monologion. The Monologion has been chosen specifically because of its rich and nuanced account of the search for the one God. Through a careful analysis of this text what becomes evident is that Anselm’s theological project is much broader than a single argument or a simple account of how divine justice and honor are appeased. What one encounters is a theology informed by the notion of the human desire for God and the honest search to come to know God in an intimate way. The Monologion, therefore, will present an entry point into Anselm’s theological project. The second half of the volume will examine the reception history of Anselm’s two most famous philosophical and theological contributions (i.e., the “ontological argument” and the “satisfaction theory”). Anselm is often misunderstood because his approach to theology is reduced to the “one argument” or a carefully construed calculus of human redemption—such readings of Anselm abound and often obscure the Benedictine context within which his thought developed—and so a careful reading of Anselm’s texts and the history of reception and interpretation will offer a counter narrative to the standard perception of one of the greatest thinkers of Christian history.

     Anselm advised that whoever wanted to understand his Proslogion or Cur Deus Homo should      first read his Monologion. This would also be beneficial advice for you: if you want to understand      any work of Anselm, first read John Slotemaker's present reflection on the Monologion., Slotemaker’s volume is a nuanced and concise account of Anselm’s theology, especially on the Trinity, and an insightful overview of the complex and controversial reception of Anselm’s thought, raising provocative questions about theological method and historiography., John Slotemaker takes the reader on a detailed and engaging account of one of the most important thinkers from the Middle Ages. Opening windows onto the key aspects of Anselm’s theological vision, his thought on the Trinity, the doctrine of God, Redemption and Creation, this well structured and paced study is as enjoyable as it is instructive. The emphasis on Anselm’s inheritance from Augustine, as well as elucidating the long influence that Anselm’s works held for Christian thinkers since the twelfth century, give a fascinating and satisfying scope to the study. Anselm’s unbending desire for God is placed, by Slotemaker, in a rich and accessible context.

John T. Slotemaker is associate professor of medieval Christianity at Fairfield University.