human nature

Question 1

St Augustine

Answer 1

Early Christian and philosopher whose writings influenced the development of Western Christianity. Among his important works are The City of God and Confessions

Question 2

Genesis

Answer 2

First book in Old Testament dealing with the creation and the fall of man

Question 3

The Confessions

Answer 3

Name of autobiographical work, consisting of 13 books, by St Augustine, written in Latin between AD 397 and 400

Question 4

The City of God

Answer 4

Book of Christian philosophy written in Latin by Augustine in the early 5th century AD. The book was in response to allegations that Christianity brought about the decline of Rome and is considered one of Augustine’s most important works

Question 5

Human nature

Answer 5

general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioural traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans

Question 6

The doctrine of the fall

Answer 6

belief that when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they “fell” from perfection and brought evil into the world

Question 7

Rational act

Answer 7

acting in accordance with reason and logic

Question 8

Original sin

Answer 8

Augustine Christian doctrine that says that everyone is born sinful. This means that they are born with a built-in urge to do bad things and to disobey God

Question 9

Temptation

Answer 9

human inclination to sin

Question 10

Concupiscence

Answer 10

a strong (often sexual) desire

Question 11

God’s Grace

Answer 11

the free and unmerited favour of God

Question 12

Summum Bonum

Answer 12

Latin expression meaning ‘the highest good’