Schola Aegidiana v Čechách osmnáctého století

This paper deals with the Augustinian theology in 18th century Bohemia. It presents basic information on its representatives, their works, and their theological opinions. Particular attention is payed to the Schola Aegidiana and its role in the history of the Czech Catholic theology. Schola Aegidiana is the school of thought based upon the writings of Giles of Rome (d.1316). It developed during the 14th century and became part and parcel of the theological tradition of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine. In Bohemia, the efflorescence of the school was violently interrupted by the Hussite revolution. A certain revival of theological thought within the Bohemian province took place in the 17th century, especially after the Thirty Years' War. At that time, the theologians of the Order appealed predominantly to St. Augustine (H. Ebenauer, B. Slad); in reality, their doctrine was a synthesis of Augustinian, Thomistic, and even Molinistic views. It was not until 1700 that the Schola Aegidiana was reintroduced thanks to Benignus Sychrovsky (Sichrowsky), OSA (1675-1737), professor of theology at the Augustinian Seminary in Prague. However, the prosperity of the school did not last long. The new generation of Augustinian theologians (C. Schmalfus, H. Robek), slightly influenced by the Enlightenment, had inclined to the so called new Augustinian school (E. Noris, F. Bellelli) and the scholastic Schola Aegidiana fell into oblivion.