Augustine's teaching on human nature

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on Augustine's theory of original sin and related concepts.

Original Sin

The belief that all humans inherit a corrupted nature due to Adam and Eve's disobedience to God.

The Fall

The biblical event in which Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command and ate the fruit from the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden.

Cupiditas

‘selfish love ‘ , a love for wordly things and selfish desires

Caritas

‘generous love’ , a love of others and of the virtues . The love of God

Concupiscence

Uncontrollable desire for physical pleasure and material things

Summum bonum

the highest most supreme good.

Ecclesia

Heavenly society in contrast with earthly society

Will

The part of human nature that makes free choices .

Rational control before the fall

The idea that before the fall human desires and actions were under the willfull control of reason

What is human nature change ?

According to Augustine the abilities of humans that were corrupted by the original sin .

Human will division

human will has become divided . people can use their reason and recognize right from wrong but still tend to do the wrong thing and are ruled by selfishness and lust.

Grace

In theological terms God’s free and undeserved love for humanity , epitomised in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross

Resistance to temptation

The struggle to act morally despite the innate desire to sin.

Concordia

human friendship