Gottschalk and a Medieval Predestination Controversy: Texts Translated from the Latin

by Gottschalk of Orbais, Victor Genke (Translator), Francis X. Gumerlock (Translator)

The question of predestination and its nature, which drew strong protests from the monks of Provence in the early fifth century against the teaching of Augustine of Hippo, was initially settled by the Council of Orange in 529. But in the Carolingian renaissance in the ninth century, the Benedictine monk, Gottschalk of Orbais, brought the teachings of the late Augustine to the forefront of theological debate and greatly disturbed the clergy and faithful with his doctrine of double predestination of some to the joy of heaven and of others to the eternal punishment of hell—a doctrine that he claimed was that of Augustine and the Catholic faith. The present volume provides for the first time an English translation of Gottschalk’s key writings on predestination and various reactions and comments from leading theologians of the ninth century, as well as a learned introduction to Gottschalk’s life and controversies.

Genres: Theology

247 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2010

Reviews

[Erick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gottschalk pretty much was a Calvin before Calvin. The double predestination taught later by Calvin was taught by Gottschalk as well. In fact, he was censured for it. He gained quite a following and church leadership were quite nervous about his influence. At this early stage, heretics were usually excommunicated and placed on house arrest rather than burned at the stake. Gottschalk was subject to both penalties. Apparently, he never renounced his views. The writings here use pretty much all the same Bible verses that Calvin would later use. Of course, just like Calvin, Gottschalk was heavily influenced by Augustine as well.

Anyone who knows me knows I detest Calvin and his determinist theology. Gottschalk is probably the earliest theological analogue to Calvin. With Augustine it is difficult to find absolute consistency when it comes to freewill vs determinism. When he was battling the Manicheans, he seemed to favor freewill, when he was battling the Pelagians, he seemed to favor determinism.

Interesting book from a historical perspective. Probably good to read if someone is interested in the topics and how they have been handled in theology and philosophy. I certainly don't support Gottschalk's theology any more than I do Calvin's, but the topic itself is interesting to research.

[Peter]

Amazing to see predestination taught at this stage of history

[BigGuyJawny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect work to get you introduced to Gottschalk and a solid explanation of the medieval predestination controversy in the 800s.

Four Reasons Why I Gave it Four Stars:
+ Great understandable translation-work. I appreciate the references and commentary.
+ Introduction is in-depth without being superfluous.
- The writings themselves lack meaningful depth on the issue of predestination to be examined for deep theological reflection. But Gottschalk’s On Predestination and Hincmar’s Letter to Pope Nicholas are my favorites!
+ Love that they put in several different writings!