De Fide Catholica: Reading and Interpretation Keys

In the fourth treatise, Boethius does not propose to elaborate a logical elucidation or an apologetic defence of Christianity or of a truth of faith, but rather offers a confession of faith that finds much of its inspiration in the preceding, mainly Augustinian, theological tradition. Two facts indicate that we are faced with a work that is different from the others: the use of Scripture, which in the De fide catholica constitutes the guiding thread of the treatise, and the exposition of the fundamental contents of the Christian faith, not only the Trinitarian and Christological aspects. Accustomed as we are to reading a different Boethius, full of logical and rhetorical elaborations that could seem cold and abstract, in this treatise we see how he also considers the fundamental aspects of the Christian faith according to another perspective, with a diverse method, no less technical, although surely more personal and vital.

Automated summary

In the fourth treatise, Boethius offers a confession of faith inspired by the Augustinian theological tradition. This work stands out from his others due to the use of Scripture as a guiding thread and the exposition of fundamental contents of Christian faith in a more personal and vital manner. It presents a different perspective on the fundamental aspects of Christian faith, with a diverse, technical method.