Augustine, Martyrdom, and Classical Rhetoric

Adam Ployd's Augustine, Martyrdom, and Classical Rhetoric ventures beyond traditional theological analysis to unveil a fascinating new perspective. Rather than presenting martyrs as static theological constructs, Ployd presents them as dynamic rhetorical tools wielded by Augustine in pursuit of his far-reaching theological and political goals. This innovative approach not only sheds light on Augustine's martyr discourse but also makes significant contributions to the fields of rhetoric, history, and theology in Augustinian studies.

Ployd's central thesis is captivating: Augustine's martyr discourse transcends mere historical record. It is a carefully crafted theological argument, meticulously constructed through powerful rhetorical strategies. He convincingly argues that Augustine uses martyrs as the "subject" of his rhetoric, with God as the “ultimate rhetor.” This fresh perspective dispels the notion of martyrs as dusty historical figures and instead portrays them as multifaceted tools crafted to serve as role models, divine intermediaries, and even extensions of Christ himself.

Ployd's argument about Augustine's rhetorical strategies unfolds in three key layers. First, he establishes the cultural context to Augustine's martyr narratives in the opening chapter. Drawing on Augustine's North African context and his engagement with theological controversies like Manichaeism and Pelagianism, Ployd demonstrates how seemingly unrelated controversies shaped Augustine's understanding of martyrdom within particular rhetorical contexts. This nuanced backdrop forms the foundation upon which Augustine builds his argument.

Second, delving deeper into classical rhetoric, Ployd reveals how Augustine uses martyrs as examplarswithin his sermons. By crafting them as role models of Christian virtue, Augustine subtly critiquespractices he deems problematic. He meticulously analyzes Augustine's rhetorical repertoire, showcasing how he employs exempla, forensic rhetoric, and even martyr names to shape his audience's understanding and behavior. In chapter 2, he uses Augustine’s sermons on St. Lawrence to illustrate how martyrs served as exempla, as moral role models, to shift Christians’ love from this temporal life to eternal life (45). Ployd also discusses Augustine's engagement with the Donatist schism using forensic rhetoric in the fourth chapter, painting him as a master rhetorician sculpting communities towards his theological vision.

Third, Ployd argues that Augustine's martyrs transcend mere figures or tools. They become ideal Christian rhetors, embodying his vision for the perfect Christian community. They combine classical ideals of the rhetor and statesman with a Christian twist, serving as heavenly kingdom ambassadors in a hostile world. This construction furthers Augustine's goals of promoting eternal over earthly goods and solidifying God's role in history. To conclude his analysis, Ployd situates Augustine's martyr theology within the broader rhetorical landscape of the late antique world. He compares and contrasts Augustine's approach with figures like Asterius, John Chrysostom, and Basil, highlighting both commonalities and unique nuances. This comparative analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding Augustine's originality and the wider context of his discourse.

Ployd's work makes significant contributions to martyr studies in several ways. Fundamentally, it bridges the gap between rhetoric, history, and theology, offering a holistic understanding of Augustine's martyr narratives. By employing close rhetorical analysis, historical investigation, and theological interpretation, Ployd sheds new light on the complex interplay between persuasion and theological ideas in Augustine's presentations. Moreover, he carefully reconstructs the cultural and historical context of martyr theology in Milan and North Africa, providing a nuanced understanding of the rhetorical landscapes within which Augustine operated. Finally, Ployd's insightful analysis of Augustine's persuasive strategies, including his language, structure, and use of figures of speech, offers valuable insights into his rhetorical skill and how he adapted his tactics to different contexts.

While Ployd's work opens doors for further exploration, its brilliance is undeniable. Augustine's vast body of work, including his Tractates on the Gospel of John and letters like the one to Deogratias, offer promising avenues for deeper analysis. Additionally, expanding the comparative context beyond Asterius, John Chrysostom, and Basil could offer richer insights into the broader landscape of martyrial rhetoric in late antiquity.

Augustine, Martyrdom, and Classical Rhetoric is a landmark contribution to the field, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the dynamic power of Augustine's martyrs as instruments of persuasion. Ployd's meticulous analysis, engaging writing style, and compelling arguments make this book essential reading for scholars of early Christianity, rhetoric, and theology. It is, without a doubt, a groundbreaking study that reshapes our understanding of Augustine's martyr theology and its rhetorical construction.

Tim Wong is an associate member of Wesley House at Cambridge.

Tim Wong

Date Of Review:

February 29, 2024