Augustine and the Cure of Souls situates Augustine within the ancient philosophical tradition of using words to order emotions. Paul Kolbet uncovers a profound continuity in Augustine's thought, from his earliest pre-baptismal writings to his final acts as bishop, revealing a man deeply indebted to the Roman past and yet distinctly Christian. Rather than supplanting his classical learning, Augustine's Christianity reinvigorated precisely those elements of Roman wisdom that he believed were slipping into decadence. In particular, Kolbet addresses the manner in which Augustine not only used classical rhetorical theory to express his theological vision, but also infused it with theological content. This book offers a fresh reading of Augustine's writings--particularly his numerous, though often neglected, sermons--and provides an accessible point of entry into the great North African bishop's life and thought. "For someone who does not know Augustine well this book will be an excellent introduction to his thought from an absolutely crucial viewpoint. Augustine's preaching, teaching, and attempts to reach the minds and hearts of his congregation have been largely overlooked. This book has the great virtue of demonstrating why these were important." -- Carol Harrison, Oxford University "In this insightful and lucid study Kolbet leads his readers across the boundaries of ancient philosophy, psychology, rhetoric, and theology. He examines the ancient practice of the 'cure of the soul' and charts its Christian appropriation by Augustine. The volume offers its own medicinal promise--the reordering of our contemporary understanding of early Christianity and its complex association with classical culture." -- John Peter Kenney, St. Michael's College "Highly recommended" -- Choice "Paul Kolbet has written a study which will be of the greatest value to all who seek a better understanding of the shaping and operation of Augustine's remarkable intellect."-- The Journal of Ecclesiastical History "a highly readable study... It is certainly a book to recommend to students of Augustine and to would-be catechists or preachers."-- Journal of Theological Studies "What Kolbet shows us here is how one especially talented and influential Christian teacher, who took very seriously the claim of Christianity to be true philosophy, adapted philosophical practices to serve Christian ends."-- Augustinian Studies "Augustine and the Cure of Souls is a great read for anyone." --The Thomist "Kolbet's illuminating and original study bridges a wealth of diverse Augustinian themes through the lens of rhetoric." -- Theological Studies "In this insightful and lucid study Kolbet leads his readers across the boundaries of ancient philosophy, psychology, rhetoric, and theology.He examines the ancient practice of the 'cure of the soul' and charts its Christian appropriation by Augustine. The volume offers its own medicinal promise--the reordering of our contemporary understanding of early Christianity and its complex association with classical culture."-- John Peter Kenney, St. Michael's College "For someone who does not know Augustine well this book will be an excellent introduction to his thought from an absolutely crucial viewpoint. Augustine's preaching, teaching, and attempts to reach the minds and hearts of his congregation have been largely overlooked. This book has the great virtue of demonstrating why these were important." --Carol Harrison, Oxford University Paul R. Kolbet is Lecturer in Early Christianity at Yale Divinity School and Chair of the American Academy of Religion's Augustine and Augustinianisms Group.