Augustine and Human Nature Flashcards
What did Augustine observe about human nature?
He believed human nature is corrupt, based on his own actions (e.g. stealing a pear for fun) and the general state of society.
Why did Augustine think God couldn’t have made us corrupt?
Because God is omnibenevolent, so our corruption must be humanity’s fault.
What was the original state of humanity, according to Augustine?
A state of perfection called concordia- harmony and rational control, including over sexual desires.
What event ruined this original state?
The Fall- Adam and Eve disobeying God by eating from the Tree of Knowledge.
What is original sin according to Augustine?
A corruption in human nature that began with Adam’s sin and was passed down to all humans.
How did Augustine think sin was passed down?
Through reproduction- he believed all humans were ‘seminally present’ in Adam (homunculus theory).
What is concupiscence in Augustine’s theory?
Irresistible sinful desires that overpower rational control.
how did original sin affect love?
It disrupted he balance between cupiditas (self-love) and caritas (selfless love).
how does original sin affect free will?
it limits it- we are overpowered by temptation but still partially responsible for our choices.
What scientific evidence challenges Augustine’s view?
Evolution and genetics- humans didn’t ascend from just two people, and his reproduction theory is inaccurate.
What is Lamarckism and how does it relate to Augustine?
It’s the discredited theory that acquired traits (like sin) can be inherited- similar to Augustine’s view of original sin.
How do Niebuhr and Chesterton defend original sin?
They argue its observable in human behaviour, like war and cruelty- the one Christian doctrine visible in reality.
How does Steven Pinker challenge this defence?
he provides evidence that violence and crime have declined over time- humans are morally improving.
How does this moral progress challenge Augustine?
If sin is truly irresistible, we shouldn’t be improving morally. progress shows we can overcome bad tendencies.
What is Pelagius’ alternative explanation of sin?
People are ‘educated in evil’- sin comes from bad social conditioning, not corrupt nature.
how does Freud explain Augustine’s pear story?
as a rebellion against social norms, not proof of inherent sinfulness.
how did Pelagius’ travels support his theory?
he noticed differences in sinfulness between cultures, suggesting upbringing and environment matter more than nature.
What role does evolution play in explaining selfishness?
Evolution gives a simpler, scientific explanation for any selfish or violent tendencies in humans.
What does the evidence suggest about human predispositions to evil?
they can be overcome through social progress and civilisation.
Why did Augustine believe we can’t reach heaven on our own?
Because original sin corrupts us so deeply that we can never be good enough without God’s help.
What is grace, according to Augustine?
A gift from God that provides inner sanctification and shields us from the effects of original sin.
how does grace relate to faith in Christ?
Original sin inhibits faith, so only grace enables us to have and sustain true faith in Christ.
can humans do anything to earn grace?
No- grace is entirely unearned and undeserved. It’s a free gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).
What does Augustine say about when grace is granted?
God gives grace before a person is even born- this is part of divine predestination.
