Lecture Review on Augustine's Confessions and the Gospel of John

I. Short Identifications

  • True Whole

    • Definition: God as ultimate fullness, encompassing all good and true.

  • Good/Bad Looking

    • Definition: Differentiates curiosity (superficial knowledge) from contemplation (deep engagement with truth).

  • Friendship

    • Definition: Union of souls sharing similar loves, grounded in mutual values.

  • Neoplatonic Ascent

    • Definition: Philosophical progression from material to immaterial God, seeking spiritual understanding.

  • Tolle lege

    • Meaning: "Take up and read," engaging with Scripture for meaning, like Augustine’s conversion.

  • Mediation

    • Definition: Christ's role as mediator between God and humanity, reconciling through sacrifice.

  • Incarnation

    • Definition: The Word (Logos) became flesh (Jesus), dual nature (divine/human) to heal mankind’s spiritual divide.

II. Key Concepts from the Gospel of John

  • Miracle vs. Sign

    • Definition: Miracles show God’s power; signs reveal Christ’s identity and deeper spiritual truth.

  • “Behold the Man”

    • Commentary: Pilate's ironic declaration, showing misunderstanding of Jesus' Messiahship and kingship.

  • “Behold your mother/son”

    • Description: Creates a new spiritual family, emphasizing community among believers.

  • John’s Irony

    • Analysis: Characters speak profound truths unknowingly, revealing deeper theological insights about Christ.

  • The New Temple

    • Interpretation: Jesus' body symbolizes the new temple, indicating God's presence among believers.

  • Many Dwellings

    • Meaning: God abides within believers, creating a spiritual home for divine presence.

  • Bios/Zoe

    • Definition: "Bios" (earthly existence) vs. "Zoe" (divine, eternal life through Christ).

  • “Better that I go/Do not hold on”

    • Interpretation: Jesus’ departure is necessary for the Holy Spirit’s coming and believer’s spiritual maturation.

  • Beloved Disciple

    • Significance: Ideal witness to Jesus’ ministry, embodying love and faithfulness for the community.

III. Key Concepts from Athanasius

  • Theology

    • Definition: Proper way of speaking about God, concerned with truth, reason, and doctrine.

  • Image of God

    • Explanation: Humanity’s restoration to God’s image achieved through Christ, enabling reconciliation.

  • Dilemma of Life/Death

    • Description: Sin leads to death and corruption, highlighting humanity's existential crisis.

  • Dilemma of Knowledge

    • Description: The Word becomes visible, challenging human understanding of divine revelation.

IV. Charts

  • Pyramid of Soul

    • Structure: Body \rightarrow Senses \rightarrow Memory \rightarrow Reason \rightarrow Wisdom \rightarrow God

    • Explanation: Hierarchical ascent of the soul to the divine, from physicality to spiritual realization.

  • Two Ascents

    • Description: Exterior \rightarrow Interior \rightarrow Superior; Philosophical vs. Christic methods of spiritual knowledge.

  • Prologue

    • Summary: Relationship between the Word and the Father; Word descends, mixed reactions.

  • Four-Step Sign

    • Process: Problem \rightarrow Action \rightarrow Misunderstanding \rightarrow Revelation

    • Significant: Model for divine signs guiding understanding through stages.

  • Foot of Cross

    • Symbolism: Mary, Jesus, Beloved Disciple signify new community through Christ's death; blood and water represent sacrifice/new life.

V. Longer Answers (Summaries)

  • Children of God

    • Referenced Scripture: John 1, 3, 19, 20

    • Connection: Related to Augustine’s rebirth concept, transformative relationship through faith.

  • New Temple

    • Referenced Scripture: John 2, 4, 7, 19

    • Connection: Links to Athanasius's teaching of God's presence dwelling within humanity, shifting from physical to spiritual worship.