Death and the Afterlife Flashcards
Key Principle 1: Humans Were Created Perfect but Fell
Argument (Modus Ponens):
Humans were created in a state of original perfection (P).
If humans were created in a state of original perfection (P), then pre-Fall relationships would be harmonious and free from selfish desires (Q).
∴ Pre-Fall relationships were harmonious and free from selfish desires (Q).
Key Principle 2: Original Sin Corrupted Human Nature
Argument (Modus Ponens):
Original Sin is inherited through sexual reproduction (P).
If Original Sin is inherited through sexual reproduction (P), then all humans are born with corrupted natures, characterised by selfishness and a lack of free will (Q).
∴ All humans are born with corrupted natures (Q).
Key Principle 3: God’s Grace is Necessary for Redemption
Argument (Modus Ponens):
Humans cannot overcome sin through their own efforts (P).
If humans cannot overcome sin through their own efforts (P), then only God’s grace can enable humans to achieve summum bonum (Q).
∴ Only God’s grace can enable humans to achieve summum bonum (Q).
Application 1: Human Relationships Post-Fall
argument
The Fall introduced selfishness and lust into human relationships (P).
If the Fall introduced selfishness and lust into human relationships (P), then human relationships are inevitably characterized by instability and conflict (Q).
∴ Human relationships are inevitably characterized by instability and conflict (Q).
Application 2: Human Societies and Free Will
Argument
Human societies are composed of individuals corrupted by Original Sin (P).
If human societies are composed of individuals corrupted by Original Sin (P), then societies will lack stability and justice (Q).
∴ Societies will lack stability and justice (Q).
Objection 1: The Fall as a Mythical Construct
The Genesis account of the Fall is mythical and not historical (P).
If the Genesis account of the Fall is mythical and not historical (P), then Augustine’s explanation for human corruption and Original Sin is invalid (Q).
∴ Augustine’s explanation for human corruption and Original Sin is invalid (Q).
Reply:
Paul Tillich (1951) argues that the Fall can be understood symbolically, representing the universal human condition of alienation from God. This maintains the theological validity of Augustine’s insights even if the Fall is not literal.
Augustine’s emphasis is not on the historical accuracy of Genesis but on the reality of human brokenness and the need for grace, supported by Romans 7:15–20 (Paul’s struggle with sin).
Objection 2: Overly Pessimistic View of Human Nature
Objection (Modus Ponens):
Augustine’s view implies that humans are utterly dependent on grace and incapable of moral goodness on their own (P).
If Augustine’s view implies that humans are utterly dependent on grace and incapable of moral goodness on their own (P), then his view is overly pessimistic and undermines human dignity (Q).
∴ Augustine’s view is overly pessimistic and undermines human dignity (Q).
Reply:
Alister McGrath (2010) defends Augustine by emphasizing that his theology preserves human responsibility while highlighting the transformative power of grace. Dependence on grace does not negate human dignity but elevates it by aligning humans with their ultimate purpose in God.
Augustine’s view of grace as enabling rather than replacing free will ensures that human dignity is maintained.
Objection 3: Alternative Explanations for Human Nature
Objection (Modus Ponens):
Evolutionary psychology and other secular perspectives offer plausible explanations for human selfishness and societal instability (P).
If evolutionary psychology or other secular perspectives offer plausible explanations for human selfishness and societal instability (P), then Augustine’s account is not the only valid perspective (Q).
∴ Augustine’s account is not the only valid perspective (Q).
Reply:
Augustine’s explanation offers a uniquely theological perspective, addressing not just the causes but also the ultimate purpose and solution to human brokenness through divine grace.
While evolutionary psychology may describe tendencies toward selfishness, it cannot account for moral transformation or the human yearning for summum bonum. Chapman (1994) highlights that Augustine’s theology connects human experience with divine redemption, offering a more holistic account.
Objection 4: Sexuality as the Cause of Original Sin
Objection (Modus Ponens):
Augustine’s teaching ties Original Sin to sexual reproduction (P).
If Augustine’s teaching ties Original Sin to sexual reproduction (P), then it unfairly stigmatizes human sexuality (Q).
∴ Augustine’s teaching unfairly stigmatizes human sexuality (Q).
Reply:
Augustine does not stigmatize sexuality itself but views it as a channel through which sin is transmitted due to the disordered nature of human desires post-Fall.
Rowan Williams argues that Augustine’s focus is on the will and its corruption rather than sexuality per se, emphasizing the redemptive possibilities offered by grace.
