Dialectic of love in the dialogue between Jesus and Peter (Jn 21:15-17) based on st. Augustine’s Sermons

Jude Schang

doi:10.21697/wsp.2025.2.01

Published: 2025-11-06

Vol. 60 No. 2 (2025)

Dialektyka miłości w dialogu Jezusa z Piotrem (J 21, 15-17) na podstawie Mów św. Augustyna

Jude Schang

Warszawskie Studia Pastoralne

Section: Artykuły

https://doi.org/10.21697/wsp.2025.2.01

Abstract

Dialectic, in Augustine’s thought, is not merely formal logic but a spiritual pedagogy: a means by which divine truth is discerned through the tension of opposites. He defines dialectic as “the science of disputing well” (scientia bene disputandi) and “the discipline of disciplines” (disciplina disciplinorum) and elsewhere calls it “the science of truth” (scientia veritatis).38 Augustine adopts this framework within a theological and pastoral context, particularly in the dialogue between Jesus and Peter (Jn 21:15-17). Through his Sermons, Augustine interprets this scene not as punishment for Peter’s denial but as a transformative moment of grace. This article examines how love, in Augustine’s theology, serves as the medium through which denial is confronted, the heart is healed, and mission is bestowed. This interpretation carries not only spiritual and ecclesial implications but also reveals Augustine’s broader anthropology of grace and human weakness.

Keywords:

St. Peter, St Augustine, Jn 21:15-17, love, dialectic, patristic exegesis

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Citation rules

Schang, J. (2025). Dialektyka miłości w dialogu Jezusa z Piotrem (J 21, 15-17) na podstawie Mów św. Augustyna. Warszawskie Studia Pastoralne, 60(2). https://doi.org/10.21697/wsp.2025.2.01

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Jude Schang

Affiliation:

Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie Cameroon

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Ks. Jude Schang odbył studia filozogiczno-teologcizne w Bambui (Kamerun); przyjął święcenia kapłańskie w 2019 r. w Kumbo; był dyrektorem szkoły katolickiej w Lassin (2020-2022); posiada licencjaty kanoniczne z patrystyki, teologii i filozofii; obecnie pisze doktorat z patrystyki na UKSW; pomaga duszpastersko w parafii św. Augustyna na Nowolipkach w Warszawie