Augustine and human nature

Question 1

What is Original Sin

Answer 1

The belief that human nature became corrupted after Adam and eve, leaving everyone born with original sin.

Question 2

Augustine - concupiscence

Answer 2

We have free will but it has been corrupted , we are naturally inclined towards a sinful desire. concupiscence.

Question 3

New testament influence on Augustine

Answer 3

Augustine interpreted Paul to mean that humans are trapped in a sinful nature and cannot save themselves.

Romans 7:15: “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”

Question 4

Pelagius (critique)

Answer 4

Against original sin. believes humans are born good and can choose to be righteous without divine grace. argues that Augustine is too pessimistic

Question 5

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Answer 5

Believes that humans are morally good but society corrupts him. ‘man is born free and everywhere he is in chains.’

Question 6

Thomas Hobbes

Answer 6

believes that humans are naturally selfish and brutish but society controls this.

Question 7

Niebuhr

Answer 7

Agreed with Augustine that humans are flawed by selfishness and pride, even in modern politics and society.