How formative was the Donatist controversy in shaping what we may call “Augustine’s Paulinism”? While the Augustine of the Donatist controversy is more often than not explored under the lens of ecclesiology, sacramental theology, and/or church/state questions, anyone who takes up Augustine’s anti-Donatist writings ought to be immediately struck by the central role that scripture plays in Augustine’s arguments against the Donatists.
It is now time, I believe, to carry out a careful study of these very Scriptural testimonies by which [the Donatists] deceive the less-informed through their wrong interpretation (ipsa testimonia Scripturarum, quae male interpretando decipiunt imperitos, diligenter attendere) and, with the Lord’s help, explain them according to the catholic sense of truth (secundum intellectum catholicae veritatis aperire).
If the interpretation of the canonical writings in general provides a central backdrop to the controversy, what is likewise striking to note is the prominent place given to the writings as well as the figure of Paul in Augustine’s challenge to the Donatist claims.

Thomas F. Martin, O.S.A.
Villanova University

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