AUGUSTINE-OF-HIPPO, DEFENDER OF WOMENS EQUALITY

This paper challenges the accepted view of St Augustine of Hippo as an embittered celibate who avoided all contact with women while constructing a theory of marriage and sexual morality that would condemn women to an inferior position in society. Although Augustine did carefully restrain his contacts with women after his conversion, the author uses both Augustine's correspondence and his theological writings to determine that the great theologian actually valued the friendship of women, as well as their intellectual abilities and their participation in the life of the Church. In addition, his theological writings contain many examples of his attempts to mitigate the effects of scriptural passages that others had interpreted in ways that were derogatory toward women. The author concludes that by separating a woman's sexuality from the other aspects of her personality, Augustine was able to reconcile the demands of his own asceticism with his undeniable respect and affection for the sincere Christian women who were part of his community. © 1990.