Basic Writings

by Anselm of Canterbury, Eugene Freeman (editor)

Ranging from his early treatises, the Monologion (a work written to show his monks how to meditate on the divine essence) and the Proslogion (best known for its advancement of the so-called ontological argument for the existence of God), to his three philosophical dialogues on metaphysical topics such as the relationship between freedom and sin, and late treatises on the Incarnation and salvation, this collection of Anselm's essential writings will be a boon to students of the history of philosophy and theology as well as to anyone interested in examining what Anselm calls "the reason of faith."

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Classics, Christianity, Medieval

First published January 1, 1100

About the author

Italian-born English monk, abbot, theologian, Archbishop of Canterbury and Doctor of the Church. Helped inaugurate scholasticism in the medieval period, being credited as the "father of scholasticism", and became known for what became known as the "ontological argument" for the existence of God.

He entered the Benedictine order at the abbey of Bec at the age of 27 years in 1060 and served as abbot in 1079.

Anselm of Canterbury, also known as Anselm of Aosta or Anselm of Bec, was a monk and abbot at the Benedictine abbey of Bec. He served as Archbishop of Canterbury under William II from 1093 to his death on 1109.

As a result of the investiture controversy, the most significant conflict between Church and state in Medieval Europe, Henry I again from 1105 exiled him to 1107.

A bull of Clement XI, pope, proclaimed Anselm a doctor of the Church in 1720 . We celebrate his feast day annually on 21 April.

Reviews

[Andrew Morgan Perschbacher]

I read most of this book for class. My appreciation for Anselm has grown immensely through the reading of this book. Excited to see how the Lord uses his thought to aid my walk in Christ.

[Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dense philosophical and theological work that is well worth the time to read, but will require an attentive mindset due to the hair splitting conversations and topics discussed. Some points are easier to follow than others, and even for the casual self proclaimed student of philosophy and theology, there is plenty here that will add to your thinking on some very key topics concerning God. Anselm is an extremely influential philosopher that had an impact on many of the bigger names that are well known today such as Descartes and Kant, so this is certainly an author to become acquainted with if your interests have anything to do with the two subjects listed above or even simply the history associated with them. Recommend to all who are Bible readers or those who are simply curious about God.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has all the essentials. Not that I understand them, but they're there.