Augustine's teaching on human nature Flashcards
Define ‘will’
The part of the human nature that makes free choices
Define ‘sin’
Disobeying the commands and will of God
Define ‘grace’
In theology, God’s free and undeserved love for humanity epitomised in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
Define ‘the Fall’
The Biblical event in which Adam and eve disobeyed God’s command not to eat the forbidden fruit, also used to refer to the imperfect state of humanity
Define ‘Neoplatonism’
Philosophical thinking arising from he ideas of Plato
Define ‘redeemed’
Theological meaning saved from sin by God’s grace
Define ‘concordia’
Human friendship
Define ‘cupiditas’
‘Selfish love’ a love of worldly things and intrinsic desires
Define ‘caritas’
‘Generous love’ a love of others and virtues, the Latin equivalent of the word ‘agape’
Define ‘concupiscence’
Uncontrollable desire for physical pleasure and material things
Define ‘ecclesia’
Heavenly society in contrast with earthly society
Define ‘summum bonum’
The highest and most supreme good
When, of what empire and by who was Christianity first adopted as the official religion?
Early fifth century
Roman empire
Emperor Constantine
What happened to those who followed Christianity as a minority faith?
They were executed for treason because they refused to join the Roman cult
Which two Biblical writers were executed for their religion and under who’s reign?
Paul and Peter
Emperor Nero
When did Emperor Constantine adopt the Christian faith himself?
312AD
How was Emperor Constantine revolutionary to Christianity?
- Decriminalised
- Promoter of religious tolerance so didn’t try to convert people
- Large investment in Christian Churches etc.
What religious state was society when Augustine was born?
Religious and philosophical pluralism established by Constantine though he lived in the Roman Empire
Describe the beliefs of the Manichees
- World is engaged in a cosmic battle between good and evil
- People have a good and an evil soul creating internal struggles
- Human soul is in the kingdom of darkness but it is naturally part of the kingdom of light
How did Manichaeism teach about the cause of wrongdoing?
To understand the cause of wrongdoings you need wisdom, enlightenment and reason, escape from wrongdoing could be found in role models but the most important is Jesus
Which Neoplatonist was Augustine most influenced by?
Plotinus
What works of Plotinus was Augustine most interested in?
- He seemed ashamed of living in a human body
- The impermanent body and the realm of forms were opposites in many ways
- Only the form of good and self-reflection not the Manichee belief of two souls
- People should treat themselves like sculptors and chisel away the imperfections