Intro to the Judeo-Christians St. Augustine and St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas St. Thomas Aquinas

Judaism vs Hellenism Christianity evolved from Judaism and Hellenism. Fused together by the teachings of Jesus.

Judaism vs Hellenism (cont’d.) Hellenism. Greeks were polytheistic. Greeks believed that man created gods. Greeks emphasized the idea of thinking clearly. Greeks believed that reason was the way to perfection. Greeks also believed that knowledge was the basis of political rule.

Judaism vs Hellenism (cont’d.) Judaism. Jews were monotheistic. Jews believed that God created man. Jews emphasized the idea of acting justly. The Jewish approach denied that human reason and wisdom can ever unlock the riddle of existence. Jews believed that only God can rule over man.

Historical Perspective: Greek vs Early Christian Worlds  Polis died. –Overrun by Philip of Macedonia and ultimately incorporated into the Roman Empire. –Transformed by events rather than able to transform events. –A world of private individuals concerned with personal affairs.

Historical Perspective: Greek vs Early Christian Worlds  People tended to embrace one of two philosophies.  Epicureanism  Materialist: Universe an assemblage of atoms following no discernible pattern.  So humans are material objects as well. –If the body died, the soul died with it.  Therefore, bodily pleasures were of the utmost importance. –Good = promotion of pleasure –Bad = pain  No afterlife.

Historical Perspective: Greek vs Early Christian Worlds  Epicureanism (cont’d.)  Potential responses to epicureanism: –Hedonism = the pursuit of animal pleasures. –Cynicism = distrusting or disparaging the motives of others. Nothing is really true— nothing really matters.  Consequences of epicureanism: –Pleasure is always elusive. –Glass is always half-empty.  Solution to epicureanism: –Live a life of moderation based on reason.

Historical Perspective: Greek vs Early Christian Worlds  Stoicism.  The dominant philosophy of the Roman Empire to 450 AD.  Materialist: world of atoms, ordered by God, but following an unknowable pattern.

Historical Perspective: Greek vs Early Christian Worlds  Solution to stoicism: –A life of moderation thru reason.  Consequence of stoicism: –Predestination: –Humans part of God’s plan, destined to do what we do. –Resistance to fate is useless. –But one can learn to deal with the fates. –No afterlife.  Epicureanism and stoicism paved the way for Christianity.

Introduction to St. Augustine St. Paul = St. Augustine’s inspiration. St. Paul = St. Augustine’s inspiration. Paul seen as the founder of Christianity. Paul seen as the founder of Christianity. Paul believed that all power and authority come from a single source--- God. Paul believed that all power and authority come from a single source--- God. To resist power and authority is to resist God. To resist power and authority is to resist God. –No rebellion. Render to all their due. Rebellion/resistance = Pride (self-love) Rebellion/resistance = Pride (self-love) –Pride = the father of all sins. –Augustine’s focus.