St. Augustine

Definition

St. Augustine was an early Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings influenced Western Christianity and philosophy. He is best known for his works like 'Confessions' and 'City of God,' which explore themes of sin, grace, and the nature of God, particularly in relation to human sexuality and moral conduct.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. St. Augustine's thoughts on sexuality were heavily influenced by his own life experiences, including his struggles with lust and desire before his conversion to Christianity.
2. He argued that sexual desire is inherently tied to sin due to its association with original sin, leading him to promote celibacy as a higher state of existence.
3. Augustine believed that human beings could only achieve true fulfillment through a relationship with God, contrasting spiritual love with earthly pleasures.
4. His writings laid the groundwork for later Christian teachings on sexual morality, influencing both Catholic and Protestant views on sexuality and marriage.
5. St. Augustine's concept of divine grace emphasized that humans are unable to attain salvation through their own efforts alone; instead, they require God's grace to overcome sinful desires.

Review Questions

• How did St. Augustine's personal experiences shape his views on sexuality and sin?
  • St. Augustine's personal experiences greatly influenced his views on sexuality, as he struggled with lust and desire prior to his conversion to Christianity. His reflections on these struggles led him to view sexual desire as inherently tied to sin due to its roots in original sin. Augustine's writings express a tension between human desires and the pursuit of a holy life, advocating for celibacy and highlighting the need for divine grace in overcoming sinful inclinations.
• Analyze how St. Augustine's integration of Platonic philosophy affected his understanding of love and sexuality.
  • St. Augustine's integration of Platonic philosophy into his theology allowed him to differentiate between spiritual love and physical desire. He viewed earthly pleasures, including sexual relationships, as inferior to the divine love that comes from God. This philosophical framework helped him articulate a vision where true fulfillment is found not in human relationships but in communion with the divine, reinforcing his belief that sexual desire must be subordinated to spiritual pursuits.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of St. Augustine's teachings on contemporary views of sexuality within Christianity.
  • St. Augustine's teachings have had a profound and lasting impact on contemporary views of sexuality within Christianity, particularly regarding concepts of sin, grace, and moral conduct. His emphasis on original sin shaped the understanding of human sexuality as inherently flawed, leading many Christian denominations to adopt more conservative stances on sexual ethics. Additionally, his promotion of celibacy as an ideal continues to influence Catholic teachings on priesthood and religious life, while also informing broader discussions on marriage, sexual relationships, and morality across various Christian communities today.

Related terms

Original Sin: The Christian doctrine that posits humanity inherits a fallen state due to the first sin committed by Adam and Eve, which Augustine famously discussed in his works.

Platonic Philosophy: A school of thought based on the ideas of Plato, which Augustine integrated into his theological views, especially concerning the nature of reality and forms.

Just War Theory: A doctrine that Augustine contributed to, providing criteria for determining when it is morally permissible to go to war, reflecting his views on justice and ethics.