Susannah Ticciati explores Augustine's scriptural interpretation, as well as the ways in which he understands the character of signs in theory. The book explores Augustine's scriptural world via three case studies, each geared towards the healing of a particular modern opposition. The three, interrelated, modern oppositions are rooted in an insufficient semiotic worldview. Ticciati argues they contribute to the alienation of the modern reader not only from Augustine's scriptural world, but more generally from the scriptural world as habitation. Examining the ways in which the therapy for our modern day semiotic illiteracy can be found in the 5th-6th-century Augustine, Ticciati brings close readings of Augustine to bear on significant concerns of our own day: specifically, our modern alienations from the rich world of Scripture.

Introduction Part I The Problem of Obedience: Barth on Job Chapter 1 Barth's Job as Both Right and Wrong Chapter 2 Obedience as Self-Examination: Barth on the Story of the Rich Man Part II Does Job Fear God for Naught? A Rereading of Job Chapter 3 The Prose Narrative: Transforming Piety Chapter 4 The Poem 4.1. The Dialogue: Testing Integrity 4.2. The Whirlwind Speeches: Encountering Creation Part III God, Job and Justice Chapter 5 Calling God to Account Chapter 6 An Integrity Beyond the Law Part IV The Disruption and Transformation of the Self Chapter 7 The Problem of Obedience Revisited Chapter 8 Epilogue: Self, Society and World Bibliography