Routledge Master of the Sacred Page: A Study of the Theology of Robert Grosseteste, ca. 1229/30 – 1235

Modern scholarship has examined the life and works of Robert Grosseteste (ca. 1170-1253) mainly in a philosophical or episcopal context, yet Grosseteste wrote many treatises on pastoral theology, spent some years as a regent master in theology at the University of Oxford, and maintained interest in theological discourse throughout his time as Bishop of Lincoln. This book offers the first scholarly study of Grosseteste as theologian, taking account of the whole range of his theological writing both in published and unedited sources. Ginther reveals the central focus of Grosseteste's theology as the person and work of Christ, with the person of Christ as the interpretive key by which humanity comes to see the Trinity in the created world and the means by which humanity may participate in the divine. Surveying some of the major doctrinal issues of the thirteenth century, this book offers a thorough introduction to the theology of the period. Review 'There has been an empty niche within Grosseteste's studies, and this book by James Ginther has filled it. The author takes a fresh look at every aspect of Grosseteste's theological teaching activity, concentrating upon his exegesis. His book holds some surprises for the reader. To be able to draw upon the unedited commentary on the Psalms allows Ginther to compose a chapter on the ecclesiology of Master Robert Grosseteste that no one else could have written. This book will be widely read and widely discussed for years to come.' James McEvoy, Professor of Philosophy at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth and author of Robert Grosseteste (Oxford, 2000), and The Philosophy of Robert Grosseteste (Oxford, 1982) 'This is an important book, complementing and bringing up to date R.W. Southern's definitive intellectual biography of Grosseteste (1992) in light of the additional knowledge of the Grosseteste corpus made possible through James Ginther's own pioneering work on the texts in connection with the "Electronic Grosseteste Project.'" It also makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the evolution of the theology course at Oxford in its early stages. It never loses sight of the context in which Grosseteste was lecturing, disputing and preaching on the themes discussed.' Journal of Theological Studies 'Ginther's interest in Grosseteste's exegesis is both welcome and overdue.' Speculum ’This is an important book... It also makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the evolution of the theology course at Oxford in its early stages. It never loses sight of the context in which Grosseteste was lecturing, disputing, and preaching on the themes which are discussed.’ Journal of Theological Studies About the Author James R. Ginther is Associate Professor of Medieval Theology at St Louis University, USA.