Prosper of Aquitaine
Latin·Male·5th century·Gaul
Prosper of Aquitaine was a 5th-century Christian writer and a disciple of Augustine of Hippo. He is renowned as the first continuator of Jerome's Universal Chronicle and is identified with the axiom 'lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi'. Prosper was a significant defender of Augustinian doctrine, particularly concerning grace and free will, and played a role in theological controversies of his time.
Key Facts
- ›Disciple of Augustine of Hippo and first continuator of Jerome's Universal Chronicle.
- ›Identified with the axiom 'lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi'.
- ›Authored significant theological works defending Augustinian doctrine, especially on grace and free will.
- ›His chronicle, Epitoma chronicon, is valuable for the period 425–455, drawing from personal experience.
- ›Was a layman who actively engaged in religious controversies of the 5th century.
- ›His writings were popular during the Middle Ages.
Epitoma Chronicon, De Vocatione Omnium Gentium, De Gratia Dei Et Libero Arbitrio, Adversus Ingratos, Pro Augustino Responsiones, Sententia and Epigrammata
- Defense and Propagation of Augustine's Doctrine of Grace.
- Contributions To the Understanding of Divine Grace and Free Will.
- Theological Interpretations of the Call To the Gentiles.
- Adherence To the Axiom 'Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi'.
Prosper Tiro
5th Century
Aquitaine, Marseille, Rome, Gaul
Augustinianism
Pelagianism
Medieval Augustinians, Peter Lombard
About Prosper of Aquitaine
Prosper of Aquitaine (c. 390 – c. 455 AD), also known as Prosper Tiro, was a significant 5th-century Christian writer and theologian, renowned as a disciple of Augustine of Hippo. His intellectual contributions were multifaceted, encompassing historical chronicle, theological defense, and the propagation of Augustinian thought.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Aquitaine, Prosper may have received his education in Bordeaux. He became a refugee in Marseille by 417 due to Gothic invasions in Gaul. His intellectual engagement led him to correspond with Augustine of Hippo in 429. By 431, he was in Rome, appealing to Pope Celestine I on matters related to Augustine's teachings. He later served in Rome, possibly in a secretarial capacity, attached to Pope Leo I. Gennadius of Massilia's tradition suggests Prosper drafted Leo I's famous letters against Eutyches. His chronicle extends to 455, and while his exact death date is unknown, he was mentioned by Marcellinus in 463, indicating he lived shortly after that.
Major Contributions and Writings
Prosper was a layman who ardently defended Augustinian theology, especially the doctrine of grace and free will, in the face of contemporary religious controversies. His theological writings are admired for their classical qualities, though sometimes criticized for being flat. His key works include:
- Epitoma chronicon: His continuation of Jerome's Universal Chronicle, covering the period from 379 to 455. This work is especially valuable for the years 425–455, drawing from Prosper's personal observations and providing detailed accounts of political events, including Attila's invasions.
- De vocatione omnium gentium (The Call of All Nations): Written around 450, this work attempts to reconcile Augustine's teaching on grace with the idea that God wishes all men to be saved. It is considered his most original theological contribution.
- Liber contra Collatorem (Against the Compiler): Written against John Cassian's work, this represents Prosper's final stance on the necessity of grace.
- Adversus ingratos: A polemical poem written around 430, attacking Pelagianism.
- Pro Augustino responsiones: Defenses of Augustine written after his death, particularly against Vincent of Lérins.
- Sententia and Epigrammata: Collections of maxims and epigrams drawn from Augustine's works, intended as handbooks for Christians, focusing on doctrines of grace and the incarnation.
Prosper is also identified with the axiom "lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi" – "the law we pray is the law we believe is the law we live" – which encapsulates the connection between liturgical practice and belief.
Legacy
Prosper of Aquitaine is recognized for his role as a moulder of theological understanding, particularly concerning the doctrine of grace. His works were widely circulated and popular during the Middle Ages, with his epigrams alone existing in numerous manuscripts. He played a vital role in combating Pelagianism in southern Gaul, with the support of Augustine and Pope Celestine. While his historical work is significant, many historians emphasize his primary fame as a theologian and a vigorous propagator of Augustinian doctrine.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Prosper of Aquitaine?
Prosper of Aquitaine was a 5th-century Christian writer and theologian, a disciple of Augustine of Hippo. He is known for continuing Jerome's Universal Chronicle and for his strong advocacy of Augustinian doctrines on grace and free will.
What is Prosper of Aquitaine famous for?
He is most famous for being the first continuator of Jerome's Universal Chronicle and for his theological writings that defended and propagated the teachings of Augustine of Hippo, particularly concerning divine grace. He is also associated with the axiom 'lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi'.
What were Prosper of Aquitaine's most important works?
His most important works include 'Epitoma chronicon' (a chronicle of world history), 'De vocatione omnium gentium' (on the call of all nations), and 'Liber contra Collatorem' (against John Cassian's work on grace). He also compiled collections of Augustine's sayings.
What theological controversies did Prosper of Aquitaine engage with?
Prosper was a staunch opponent of Pelagianism, actively defending Augustine's doctrines of grace against its tenets. His writings, such as 'Adversus ingratos', directly attacked Pelagian ideas.
What is the significance of Prosper's chronicle?
Prosper's 'Epitoma chronicon' is particularly valuable for the period from 425 to 455 AD, as it draws from his personal experience and provides detailed coverage of political events, including Attila's invasions. It was widely circulated and continued by other historians.
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