Augustine Confessions

What is significant about Augustine's 'Confessions'?

'Confessions' is considered the first autobiography and explores Augustine's interior life.

What common critique is made regarding Augustine's treatment of women?

Augustine is critiqued for having a concubine, which reflects his controversial views on women.

What is one argument against Augustine's theology regarding free will?

Critics argue that Augustine's view of predestination leaves no room for free will.

What was the historical context during which Augustine wrote 'Confessions'?

Augustine wrote during a time when Christianity was legalized and transitioning from a marginalized to a mainstream religion.

What are the primary goals of Augustine's 'Confessions'?

To narrate his life, praise God, demonstrate that Christianity can appeal to intelligent people, and argue against theological opponents.

Which theological groups does Augustine argue against in 'Confessions'?

Augustine argues against Arian Christianity, Pelagianism, and Manichaeism.

What are the main themes explored in Augustine's 'Confessions'?

Major themes include grief vs joy, friendship, conversions, and the nature of love.

What does Neoplatonism emphasize in Augustine's philosophy?

Neoplatonism emphasizes the concepts of emanation and return, where creation flows from The One and aims to return to it.

How does Augustine relate Neoplatonism to Christianity?

In Neoplatonic Christianity, The One is equated with God, creation is seen as emanation, and the return signifies reunion with God in the afterlife.

What does Augustine mean by 'restless heart'?

Augustine suggests that the human heart is restless until it finds rest in God.

What does Augustine's concept of original sin entail?

Original sin is interpreted as the first sin of choosing self over God, resulting in a bound will that cannot choose not to sin.

What is the significance of the Pear Tree incident in Augustine's 'Confessions'?

The Pear Tree incident reflects Augustine's exploration of the nature of sin, highlighting disordered love and the choice of self over God.

What literary form does Augustine's 'Confessions' take?

'Confessions' is a form of literary prayer that combines autobiography with philosophical reflection.

What does Augustine say about friendship in 'Confessions'?

Augustine distinguishes between proper and improper friendships, exploring their impact on one's spiritual journey.

How does Augustine describe his early education?

Augustine describes a mix of disdain for learning Greek and a love for literature, particularly 'The Aeneid'.

What role does Monnica play in Augustine's life?

Monnica is Augustine's mother, who is depicted as a significant influence on his spiritual journey and moral choices.

Cupiditas

refers to disordered love or worldly ambition

Caritas

signifies proper love.

What does Augustine mean by 'disordered love'?

Disordered love refers to prioritizing worldly desires over spiritual commitments and the love of God.

What is the significance of Augustine's first conversion?

His first conversion occurs through reading Cicero, leading him to pursue wisdom and a deeper understanding of faith.

What does Augustine's relationship with Una signify?

Una represents Augustine's concubine, illustrating the complexities of love, lust, and societal expectations in his life.

How does Augustine view scripture in relation to classical literature?

Augustine initially finds scripture unworthy compared to Cicero but later recognizes its profound significance.

What does Augustine mean by 'the journey begins' in his narrative?

This phrase signifies Augustine's transition from a life of sin to a pursuit of truth and spiritual fulfillment.

What does Augustine's analysis of memory involve?

In 'Confessions', Augustine philosophically examines memory, creation, and the nature of time.

What does Augustine mean by 'the one' in Neoplatonism?

'The One' represents the ultimate reality or God from which all creation emanates and to which it aspires to return.

What was Augustine's relationship with Una?

Augustine was with Una for 13 years and they had a son together; she was likely a teenager when she became pregnant.

What societal role did being a concubine play for Una?

Being a concubine of a prominent man was seen as a step up in society, providing a meager stability.

What were Augustine's feelings about his unnamed friend?

Augustine felt that this friend was not a true friend, as he did not help him on the path to God.

What significant event occurred when Augustine's friend was ill?

Augustine attempted to mock baptism, which offended his friend who took it seriously; the friend later relapsed and died.

What does Augustine express about grief in his writings?

He describes being clouded by grief and seeing death everywhere, indicating deep emotional turmoil.

What does Augustine say about proper friendship?

He emphasizes the comfort of true friends and how they can unite souls, making many into one.

What obstacles did Augustine face in understanding God?

He struggled with the idea of God having a body, the problem of evil, and the lowly nature of scripture.

Uti

means to use something for the sake of something else

Frui

means to enjoy something as an end in itself, with God being the only true object of 'Frui.'

What was Augustine's view on the nature of sin?

He viewed sin as a kind of addiction that prompts individuals to fix their gaze on worldly temptations.

How did Augustine describe his relationship with Alypius?

Alypius struggled with addiction to gladiatorial games, which Augustine used to illustrate the nature of temptation and sin.

What was Augustine's mother's role in his life?

Monnica was steadfast in her piety and played a significant role in Augustine's eventual conversion to Christianity.

What realization did Augustine have about worldly ambitions?

He recognized that his pursuit of honors, money, and marriage did not bring him true happiness.

What did Augustine learn from Ambrose?

Ambrose taught him that not everything in the Bible should be taken literally, which helped resolve some of Augustine's doubts.

What was the significance of Augustine's fourth conversion?

It marked his openness to Christianity after grappling with philosophical doubts and the teachings of Ambrose.

How did Augustine's views on marriage reflect societal norms?

Monnica actively sought to arrange a marriage for Augustine, reflecting societal expectations of the time.

What did Augustine think about the nature of evil?

He questioned how evil could exist if everything God made is good, highlighting a significant theological dilemma.

What metaphor did Augustine use to describe grace and free will?

He compared ears to passive reception and eyes to active choice, illustrating the need for divine grace to restore sight to God.

What did Augustine mean by 'communal life'?

He discussed the challenges of living in a commune, especially regarding the presence of wives and concubines.

What was Augustine's perspective on the role of bodies in spiritual journeys?

He believed that bodies could help on the journey to God when properly used, emphasizing the importance of intention.

What does Augustine's story about the beggar illustrate?

It illustrates his realization that worldly ambitions do not lead to true joy, setting the stage for his understanding of sin.

What was the significance of Augustine's journey from North Africa to Italy?

It represented Augustine's desire to teach better-behaved students and his complex relationship with his mother.

How did Augustine view the relationship between style and substance?

He contrasted Faustus, who had style but no substance, with Ambrose, who possessed both, influencing his spiritual journey.

What does Augustine's metaphor of being stuck in Plato's cave signify?

It signifies his initial inability to see the truth of God, being distracted by the shadows of the material world.

What was the role of Tacita in Augustine's life?

Tacita, a girl proposed for marriage, symbolizes societal pressures and the spiritual journey Augustine navigated.

What was the significance of Monnica's decision regarding Una?

Monnica sent Una away, believing it was a hindrance to Augustine's marriage, which caused Augustine deep emotional pain.

How did Augustine describe his feelings about Una being sent away?

He expressed that his heart was 'cut into pieces, wounded, and dripping blood.'

What does Augustine compare his son Adeodatus to in his writings?

He compares Adeodatus to Socrates, portraying himself as the learner.

What does Augustine's fifth conversion signify?

It represents his intellectual understanding of God, but he still struggles to enjoy a relationship with God.

What does Augustine say about the nature of evil?

He claims that evil is caused by the free choice of the will and that it arises from disordered loves.

What is the role of free will according to Augustine?

Free will exists in all things except God; humans often choose poorly, leading to sin.

What does Augustine mean by 'chains' in his conversion narrative?

He refers to the bondage of sin from which he seeks liberation through God's grace.

Who is Victorinus and what is his significance in Augustine's story?

Victorinus is a philosopher who overcame his shame to convert to Christianity publicly, influencing Augustine.

What was the emotional scene involving Augustine and Alypius in Book 8?

They experienced a deeply emotional moment wrestling with their desires and seeking conversion.

What prompted Augustine's sixth conversion?

He heard a child's voice saying 'Pick up and read,' which led him to read the Scriptures and ultimately convert.

What does Augustine say about the power of community in conversion?

He emphasizes that conversion does not happen in isolation and is influenced by community and shared experiences.

How does Augustine describe his grief over the death of Adeodatus?

He reflects on the complexity of grief, feeling a twofold sadness and questioning the appropriateness of his sorrow.

What does Augustine's meditation on loss reveal about his beliefs?

He believes that love in this world is temporary and that hope lies in the resurrection and eternal life with God.

What is the significance of Augustine's vision at Ostia?

It symbolizes a moment of spiritual elevation where he and Monnica briefly touch upon wisdom, representing a connection with God.

What does Augustine argue about wealth and parenthood in his later life?

He contends that people should not renounce their wealth if they have children, highlighting the responsibilities of parenthood.

What does Augustine mean by 'faith seeking understanding'?

It refers to the pursuit of deeper knowledge and comprehension of faith, emphasizing the importance of intellectual inquiry in spirituality.

How does Augustine view women in his writings?

He acknowledges their roles and contributions, yet he also reflects on his treatment of them, showing a complex relationship.

What is the overarching theme of autonomy in Augustine's narrative?

It explores the tension between human free will and divine grace, illustrating the struggle for personal agency in the face of sin.

What does Augustine's journey reveal about the nature of intellectual conversion?

It highlights the gradual process of understanding and embracing faith, marked by struggles and realizations about God and self.

What does Augustine's relationship with Tacita illustrate?

His engagement with Tacita reflects societal expectations and personal conflicts regarding love and commitment.

What does Augustine's reflection on dolls signify about societal expectations for women?

Dolls were used to train girls to be ideal women of society, emphasizing the cultural norms surrounding femininity and motherhood.

How does Augustine's story connect with the theme of grief?

His experiences with loss, particularly the death of Adeodatus and Monnica, shape his understanding of love, sorrow, and hope.

What does Augustine conclude about the nature of happiness?

He meditates on finding happiness in a broken world, suggesting that true joy is rooted in faith and the promise of resurrection.