Augustine Flashcards
What was Augustines link to manicheism?
He was taken by the groups ideas and for a time became an enthusiastic manichee missionary, much to his mothers disapproval
The group believed that people have two souls, one good and one evil
Manichaeism advocates for the abstinence from all enjoyments of evil; e.g. riches, lust, wine, meat, etc
What was Augustine’s link to Platonism?
Platonism believed that there was only the form of the good, which people could come to understand through study and self reflection
Augustine was struck by the way the followers of platonism seemed almost ashamed of living in a human body
God was called ‘The One’
What was Augustine’s link to Christianity?
In confessions he recounts an emotional day in which, in his frustrating tone his hair, hammered his forehead and weeped
When he returned to his studies he read the passage in Romans. For him he believed it he,f the key to resolving his unhappiness
What is the explanation of Augustine’s argument that God creates perfect creation?
Humans occupy a special place in Gods perfect creation
They have free will, but no knowledge of good and evil
What is the explanation for Augustine’s argument that there is a historical fall?
Humans decided to reject their perfect relationship with God. This was caused by pride, which made Adam and Eve want to be like God
What is the explanation for Augustine’s argument that humans can never be morally good?
This will be broken and humans suffer from akrasia (the weakness of will). Despite knowing what is good, humans are continually weakened by desires to do the opposite
Cupiditas
Self love
Caritas
Selfless love
What is the explanation for Augustine’s argument that no one is worthy of entering heaven?
Since humans are so awful in nature, we cannot overcome sin and do not deserve to go to heaven
There is free will, but no matter how hard you try, you will either be in the elect group or you will not- your actions cannot change this
What is the explanation for Augustine’s argument that only the elect can achieve summun bonum?
It is only through Gods grace that the rebellions will can overcome sin to achieve the summum bonum
While all humans strive for the greatest good, only the elect have the potential to actually achieve it
Summum bonum
The highest good achieve in the after life
What are Augustine’s beliefs on human will?
Believed that sex drive, ignorance, and death are punishments for human rebellion
Believed that the cause of the fall was human pride because Adam and Eve desired to be like God
What two conclusions did Augustine’s belief on original sin lead him to make?
as no human has had the capacity to save themselves from sin, it is only by the grace of God that humans can be saved
