Augustine on Human Nature Flashcards
after the fall
Augustine on original sin (2)
- Adam and Eve’s disobedience caused a corruption in human nature
2.This caused humans to be irresistably tempted to sin
Define concupiscence
When the desire to sin overwhelms and takes over your body
Define cupiditas
self-love
Define Caritas
Selfless love of others
What is Augustine’s view on the nature of humanity after the fall?
Augustine believed that humanity is inherently sinful and flawed after the fall.
True or False: Augustine believed that original sin is transmitted from generation to generation.
True
Fill in the blank: Augustine argues that the fall resulted in __________ for all of humanity.
original sin
What does Augustine identify as the primary consequence of original sin?
Separation from God and the loss of original righteousness.
According to Augustine, who is responsible for the original sin?
Adam and Eve
Multiple Choice: What does Augustine believe is necessary for salvation from original sin? A) Good works B) Faith in Christ C) Knowledge D) None of the above
B) Faith in Christ
True or False: Augustine thought that humans have the ability to choose good without divine assistance.
False
What term does Augustine use to describe the condition of humanity due to original sin?
Concupiscence
Fill in the blank: Augustine’s doctrine of original sin emphasizes the __________ nature of sin.
inherited
What is the significance of baptism in Augustine’s theology regarding original sin?
Baptism is seen as a means to cleanse individuals from original sin.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following did Augustine NOT believe? A) Humans are capable of perfect goodness B) Original sin affects all humans C) God’s grace is essential for salvation D) The fall has consequences for all of humanity
A) Humans are capable of perfect goodness
What does Augustine mean by ‘original righteousness’?
The state of being in harmony with God before the fall.
True or False: Augustine argued that original sin is a punishment for Adam and Eve’s actions only.
False
What role does divine grace play in Augustine’s view of overcoming original sin?
Divine grace is essential for overcoming original sin and achieving salvation.
Fill in the blank: Augustine believed that all humans are born in a state of __________ due to original sin.
sin
What is Augustine’s stance on free will in relation to original sin?
He believed that free will is compromised by original sin.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following concepts is central to Augustine’s theology? A) Pelagianism B) Original Sin C) Karma D) Reincarnation
B) Original Sin
True or False: Augustine believed that the fall only affected Adam and Eve and not their descendants.
False
What is the ultimate goal of humanity according to Augustine’s teachings?
To be reconciled with God through grace.
Fill in the blank: Augustine’s interpretation of the fall is primarily derived from the __________.
Bible
What did Augustine argue about the nature of God in relation to original sin?
He argued that God is just and merciful despite humanity’s sinfulness.
What scripture does Augustine often reference to support his views on original sin?
Romans 5:12
Multiple Choice: Augustine’s doctrine of original sin was a response to which theological perspective? A) Gnosticism B) Arianism C) Pelagianism D) Stoicism
C) Pelagianism
True or False: Augustine believed that all humans have the potential to achieve salvation on their own.
False
What does Augustine mean by ‘the city of God’ in context of original sin?
A metaphor for the community of believers who are saved by grace.
Describe Augustine’s example of the child and the pear (2)
- A child steals a pear, not to eat, but just for the pleasure of stealing
- Humans sin just for the sake of it
Give a criticism for The Fall
Modern science proves that the fall never occurred, we evolved
geneticists perspective
Give a criticism for Adam and Eve
Genetic Diversity proves that all of humanity could not stem from 2 people
CK Chesterton on evaluation of Augustine’s original sin (2)
- You can see original sin ‘in the street’
- NOT VALID as sociological evidence proves that violence and crime rates are going down and thus sin
Define Pelagius’s ‘educated in evil’
we are inclined towards sinning because of the way we are raised not because of a biological inclination.
Contempory evidence for pelagius theory
human behavior wants justice- goes against augusine’s views of our temptation to sin
Define Augustine’s exclusivism
we are so corrupted by original sin e can only achieve salvation through faith in christ and gods grace
Augustine’s perspective on humans ability to ‘be good’
humans are unable to be good themselves
only with gods granting of undeserved grace can we possibly be saved
What is Augustine’s ‘Double Predestination’
Some people are destined for heaven and some for hell
built of st pauls ideas
Pelaguis view on predestination (3)
- if we have original sin and are ubable to avoid evil it would be unjust for god to punish us fo this
- augustine is saying that people are responsible for acts they did not committ (adam and eve)
- the idea of gods punishment only makes sense if we have free will and arn’t forced by original sin to act in a certain way
What is Augustine’s view on God blaming humanity for Adam’s sin?
Augustine doesn’t argue that God blames humanity for Adam’s sin; he points out that Adam’s sin caused all future humanity to inherit original sin.
According to Augustine, whose fault is it that humanity inherits original sin?
Augustine believes it is Adam’s fault, not God’s, that humanity inherits original sin.
How does Augustine justify predestination as not being unjust?
Augustine argues that since humanity is corrupted by original sin, if people go to hell, it is deserved, making predestination just.
Why might Augustine’s argument about predestination seem unfair?
It might seem unfair because it suggests that people deserve hell due to original sin, but Augustine says this is part of God’s “secret yet just judgment.”
What does Augustine mean by “secret yet just judgment of God”?
Augustine refers to God’s judgment as inscrutable and beyond human understanding, but he believes it is ultimately just.
Which Psalm does Augustine reference to support his view on God’s justice?
Augustine references Psalm 25:10, which says, “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth.”
What conclusion does Augustine draw from Psalm 25:10?
Augustine concludes that God’s grace is not unjust, and His justice is not cruel.
What does Pelagius argue about God’s moral commands in the Bible?
Pelagius argues that the Bible is full of God’s commands to do good and avoid bad actions, and it’s hard to see why God would give these commands if original sin made humans unable to obey them.
What does Pelagius believe about the consequences of original sin on human morality?
Pelagius believes that if humans are too corrupted by original sin to do good, it leads to a fatalistic and lazy attitude toward morality.
How does Pelagius criticize Augustine’s view on human ability to follow God’s commands?
Pelagius criticizes Augustine by saying that claiming humans cannot follow God’s commands due to their fallen nature accuses God of ignorance, implying God imposes commands humans cannot bear.
According to Pelagius, what does God’s command to do good suggest about human free will?
Pelagius argues that because God commands moral actions, it presupposes that humans have the free will to do them, meaning original sin does not prevent humans from doing good.
What is Pelagius’ conclusion about human ability to do good?
Pelagius concludes that “we are able to do good because of God, but actually doing good is our own choice,” meaning free will allows us to perform good actions.
How does Augustine respond to Pelagius’ view of free will and good actions?
Augustine argues that while humans can desire and do good actions, it is only with God’s grace, not by free will alone, that they can accomplish them.
What scripture does Augustine use to support his view that human ability to do good is due to God’s grace?
Augustine references Philippians 2:13: “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
What is Augustine’s critique of Pelagius’ praise for human good actions?
Augustine argues that if good actions come from love (which Paul says is greater than knowledge), and love is a gift from God (Romans 5:5), then Pelagius is wrongly attributing praise for good actions to humans instead of to God.
How does Augustine view love in relation to human free will and good actions?
Augustine believes that since love is a gift from God, the good actions that result from love are ultimately due to God, not human free will.
What does Augustine say about Pelagius’ understanding of free will?
Augustine argues that Pelagius’ view of free will does not account for the fact that love, necessary for doing good, is a gift from God, thus rejecting Pelagius’ free will theory.
How did Pelagius explain his view of free will and divine help in his letter to the Pope?
Pelagius explained that all humans have free will, but when choosing good works, their will is “always assisted by divine help.”
How did Augustine respond to Pelagius’ explanation of divine help?
Augustine called Pelagius’ explanation “inadequate,” arguing that he did not clarify what divine help actually involves and that biblical evidence shows divine help involves God’s direct intervention in human will.
What does Augustine believe divine help consists of in relation to human ability to do good?
Augustine believes divine help is God’s direct intervention, providing humans with the love necessary to do good works, which they would be unable to do without it.
How does Pelagius view the gift of free will in relation to salvation?
Pelagius believes that the gift of free will allows humans to choose good, merit salvation, and do good works, with divine help assisting their choices.
