Augustine 1

Augustinian Teaching on Human Nature

Introduction

  • Overview of Augustine's impact on concepts of human nature.

Human Nature and Key Figures

Examples of Good and Evil

  • Rudolph Höss and Maximilian Kolbe illustrate the extremes of human capacity for both terrible evil and great good.

Philosophical Perspectives

  • Various philosophers' interpretations of human nature:

    • Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Believed humans are inherently generous, acting otherwise only under necessity.

    • Thomas Hobbes: Argued that humans are naturally selfish, cooperating only for self-benefit.

Theological Importance

  • Understanding human nature is essential for comprehending the relationship between humanity and God.

St. Augustine of Hippo

  • Life: Born in 354, died in 430.

  • Influence: Most significant theologian in Western Christian history, viewed as a foundational figure by both Roman Catholics and Protestants.

  • Conversion: Initially a Manichaean, later converted to Christianity, documented in his autobiography, "Confessions."

Young Augustine

  • Background: Born in Algeria to a Christian mother, Monica, but did not grow up as a Christian.

  • Education: Enrolled to study rhetoric at age 16, leading to two key events:

    • Discovery of philosophy through Cicero's "Hortensius," igniting his desire for wisdom.

    • Encounter with the Manichaean sect, which he embraced for a time.

Manichaeism

  • Beliefs: Proposed a dualistic worldview, rejecting God's omnipotence and attributing creation to an evil power.

  • Human Condition: Described the human soul as a battleground between good and evil forces.

  • Perspective on Earth and Flesh: Not seen as intrinsically bad; they contain both good and evil influences.

  • Personal Experience: During this time, Augustine fathered a son with a mistress.

Neoplatonism

  • Shift in Beliefs: Discontent with Manichaeism led to exploration of Neoplatonism.

  • Core Belief: Taught that one can ascend from the material world to the ultimate reality, "the One,” and viewed evil as the absence of good.

  • Augustine's Realization: This perspective helped him understand the problem of evil in a way that Manichaeism did not.

Conversion to Christianity

  • Continuing Search: Augustine remained unsatisfied despite Neoplatonism; moved to Milan and began listening to Ambrose.

  • Ambrose's Influence: Helped Augustine interpret the Old Testament allegorically, shifting his understanding of Christianity.

  • Turning Point: Realization that truth is found in Jesus Christ, despite delaying his conversion.

The Moment of Conversion

  • Internal Struggle: Augustine grappled with his desires and moral choices.

  • Romans 13:12-14: A pivotal verse encouraging a life aligned with Christ, away from darkness and sinful desires.

Pelagian Controversy

  • Conflict with Pelagius: Central to Augustine’s theological legacy.

  • Pelagius' View: Emphasized human moral goodness and free will to choose between good and evil; criticized lax Christian moral standards.

Pelagius's Teachings

  • Praised Jesus as the behavior model and contended that all individuals, Jew and Gentile, are accountable to a moral code.

Augustine's Response

  • Doctrine of Original Sin: Augustine refuted Pelagius, asserting human moral corruption and lack of true free will.

  • Infant Baptism: This doctrine justified the baptism of infants to cleanse them of original sin.