Augustine On Human Nature

Question 1

Will

Answer 1

The part of human nature that makes free choices

Question 2

Sin

Answer 2

Disobeying the will and commands of God

Question 3

Grace

Answer 3

In theological terms, God’s free and undeserved love for humanity, epitomised in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross

Question 4

The Fall

Answer 4

The biblical event in which Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and ate the fruit from the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden; also used to refer to the imperfect state of humanity.

Question 5

Neoplatonism

Answer 5

Philosophical thinking arising from the ideas of Plato

Question 6

Redeemed

Answer 6

In theological terms, ‘saved’ from sin by the sacrifice of Christ

Question 7

Concordia

Answer 7

Human friendship

Question 8

Cupiditas

Answer 8

‘’Selfish love’, a love of worldly things and of selfish desires

Question 9

Caritas

Answer 9

‘Generous love’, a love of others and of the virtues; the Latin equivalent of the Greek word ‘agape’

Question 10

Concupiscence

Answer 10

Uncontrollable desire for physical pleasures and material things

Question 11

Ecclesia

Answer 11

Heavenly society, in contrast with earthly society

Question 12

Summum bonum

Answer 12

The highest, most supreme good