A: HUMAN NATURE Flashcards
Does belief in a symbolic Adam and Eve story change the way the message of the Fall is perceived?
No, it is seen as a way of explaining human condition, it is central belief in Christianity that humanity is inclined to sin.
What has Eve being the first to sin resulted in?
A tradition in which some see women as being more likely to sin than men.
What does Genesis 3 state that reflects this tradition?
“Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
Once they have eaten the fruit, what is said of God in Genesis 3?
“Walking in the garden in the cool of the day.”
What is the Garden of Eden known as pre-Fall?
A ‘state of perfection’.
Where is there evidence that Adam and Eve would’ve enjoyed a sexual relationship before the fall?
“Be fruitful and multiply.”
What punishment was given to Eve after the Fall that demonstrated that sexual relations had been present beforehand?
Lust was part of the punishment God gave to Eve, so sex before wouldn’t have been governed by lust.
What was Augustine a great believer in?
The value of human friendship, which was a recurring theme in his writings.
What are the two things essential for humans according to Augustine?
- A healthy life.
- Friendship.
What expression does Augustine use to explain friendship?
‘concordia’
What does Augustine mean by A+E living in a spirit of friendship?
He did not mean their relationship was less meaningful, but that they had the best of all possible human relationships.
What did Augustine hold a firm belief in?
That human beings have free will, given to them by God, and this is one of the chief characteristics of God.
What did Augustine have difficulty with?
The existence of evil in the world, when God’s creation was perfect like in Plato’s Form of the Good.
What did Augustine see human’s as driven by?
Love.
What were the two kinds of love according to Augustine?
- Cupiditas - the love of impermanent earthly things.
2. Caritas - the generous love of others.
