CVSP 205 March 12, 2018 George Sabra Introduction to the World, Life and Thought of St. Augustine (A.D. 354-430) CVSP 205  March 12, 2018 George Sabra

St Augustine in his study by Sandro Boticelli (1480)

Stoicism Human happiness and dignity come from obedience to the universal law. “Nothing can be good for a man unless it helps to make him just, self-disciplined, courageous and independent; and nothing bad unless it has the contrary effect.” (Meditations Bk. 8)

Mystery Religions Mithraism (Mithras was a Persian and Indian sun-god). All creatures are believed to have sprung from the bull which Mithras slew before ascending into heaven. Initiation into its mysteries guaranteed a member immortality and blessedness.

Manichaeism Mani the prophet (ca. 216-276) A combination of Oriental, Persian and Christian ideas and teachings Goal of religion: liberating the human being from the chains of Satan and darkness which are embedded in the physical world A dualistic interpretation of ultimate reality

Christianity One God: All-Good, All-Powerful Creator out of nothing Jesus: the presence of God among human beings; perfect man and perfect God. Church: the community of believers in Jesus New Testament: the memory of Jesus, his words and deeds, and the early community’s interpretation of his person and teachings Trinity: One God in three real ways of being the same God: Father/Creator – Son/Savior – Spirit/Sanctifier

St. Augustine

Cicero

Mani the prophet

Plato

Jesus the Christ

The Legacy of St. Augustine Faith and Reason Western Christian mysticism Shaper of Catholicism and Protestantism Doctrine of “original sin” Synthesis of Plato and Christianity Discoverer of the subconscious? Anticipates Freud

Structure of The Confessions Books I-IX: a form of autobiography until his mother’s death. X-XIII: Augustine as expositor of the Bible; Neoplatonic analysis of memory, time, creation, exegesis of Genesis I