Augustine’s Use of Rhetorical Economy in His Theology of Creation
Chapters 3–5 form a second unit (Part II) which provides insights into fundamental aspects of Augustine’s thought by demonstrating and analyzing his use of rhetorical economy in his theology of creation, his theology of history, and his theodicy. In Chapter 3 close readings of On Genesis against the Manichaeans 1.21.32 and Sermon 29D.4–7 reveal that Augustine utilizes rhetorical economy as the logic by which he justifies his positions on the goodness of all creation and God’s providence over all human affairs against seeming counterevidence from daily life presented by his opponents. An analysis of On Order 1.7.18 then indicates that Augustine’s utilization of rhetorical economy in his theology of creation derives from his integration of rhetorical economy into the heart of his concept of order.