1. Reading Augustine’s Confessions TCC IAP 2008 Dr. Ann Orlando

2. Outline Why Read Augustine? Why Read Augustine? Augustine’s Life and Works Augustine’s Life and Works Introduction to Confessions Introduction to Confessions Background on Books I - IV Background on Books I - IV

3. Importance of Augustine To Western Theology and Philosophy Cannot Be Overstated To Western Theology and Philosophy Cannot Be Overstated For Western Christianity, he is the most important theologian from this period For Western Christianity, he is the most important theologian from this period Arguably the most important theologian from any period Arguably the most important theologian from any period Every serious Western theologian after Augustine must in some way ‘deal’ with Augustine Every serious Western theologian after Augustine must in some way ‘deal’ with Augustine

4. Critical and Defining Issues for Augustine Theodicy Theodicy Epistemology Epistemology Sacraments Sacraments Theology of Trinity Theology of Trinity Ecclesiology Ecclesiology Justification Justification Primacy of love Primacy of love

5. Examples Augustine was the standard for doctrinal truth and theological method throughout the Middle Ages Augustine was the standard for doctrinal truth and theological method throughout the Middle Ages Aquinas (13 th C) runs into trouble because Aquinas (13 th C) runs into trouble because He seems to abandon Augustine’s theological method (Neoplatonism) for Aristotelianism He seems to abandon Augustine’s theological method (Neoplatonism) for Aristotelianism But also because of primacy of intellect over will But also because of primacy of intellect over will Open any page of ST and see number of references to Augustine Open any page of ST and see number of references to Augustine Renaissance begins when Petrarch reads Confessions Renaissance begins when Petrarch reads Confessions Luther and Calvin claim Augustine for themselves in opposition to Scholasticism Luther and Calvin claim Augustine for themselves in opposition to Scholasticism Galileo tries to defend himself using Augustine (especially the Confessions) Galileo tries to defend himself using Augustine (especially the Confessions) Early Modernity rejects Augustine’s definition of man as part of society Early Modernity rejects Augustine’s definition of man as part of society Hobbes Hobbes Locke Locke Enlightenment rejection of Christianity is specifically a rejection of Augustine Enlightenment rejection of Christianity is specifically a rejection of Augustine Rousseau Rousseau Voltaire Voltaire Diderot Diderot Existentialists of 20 th C continue campaign specifically against Augustine; Albert Camus The Plague Existentialists of 20 th C continue campaign specifically against Augustine; Albert Camus The Plague Charles Freeman, The Closing of the Western Mind Charles Freeman, The Closing of the Western Mind Recent new translations of and ‘popular’ interest in Augustine: New City Press; J.J. O’Donnell, Garry Wills Recent new translations of and ‘popular’ interest in Augustine: New City Press; J.J. O’Donnell, Garry Wills Pope Benedict XVI has defined himself, and is often referred to as, an Augustinian theologian Pope Benedict XVI has defined himself, and is often referred to as, an Augustinian theologian

6. Brief Biographical Sketch Born near Carthage in 354 to a devoutly Catholic mother (St. Monica) and worldly father (Patrick) Born near Carthage in 354 to a devoutly Catholic mother (St. Monica) and worldly father (Patrick) In youth leads a life of pleasure searching for happiness In youth leads a life of pleasure searching for happiness Flirts with Manichaeism Flirts with Manichaeism Becomes enamored with Platonism (Plotinus) Becomes enamored with Platonism (Plotinus) Conversion to Catholic Christianity Conversion to Catholic Christianity Ordained priest 391, bishop of Hippo 395 Ordained priest 391, bishop of Hippo 395 Died on 28 August 430 Died on 28 August 430 Peter Brown’s book Augustine of Hippo remains the most important biography of Augustine in English Peter Brown’s book Augustine of Hippo remains the most important biography of Augustine in English Be sure to get the New Edition with Epilogue Be sure to get the New Edition with Epilogue Discusses discovery of 12 previously unstudied letters and sermons of Augustine (396-404) Discusses discovery of 12 previously unstudied letters and sermons of Augustine (396-404)

7. What did Augustine Look Like? Augustine being baptized by Benozzo Gozzoli http://www.wf- f.org/StAugustine.html Metropolitan Museum of Art http://www.metmuseum.org/toah /ho/05/afe/ho_18.9.2.htm Metropolitan Museum of Art http://www.metmuseum.org/toah /ho/05/afe/ho_18.9.2.htm http://www.metmuseum.org/toah /ho/05/afe/ho_18.9.2.htm http://www.metmuseum.org/toah /ho/05/afe/ho_18.9.2.htm

8. Augustine’s Works Augustine’s friend and biographer, Possidius, catalogued Augustine's works after his death and observed that no one would be able to read them all Augustine’s friend and biographer, Possidius, catalogued Augustine's works after his death and observed that no one would be able to read them all Among the vitally important works Among the vitally important works Against the Academics Against the Academics On Free Will On Free Will Confessions Confessions On the Trinity On the Trinity City of God City of God On Christian Teaching On Christian Teaching Retractions concerning On Free Will Retractions concerning On Free Will Nearly innumerable letters, treatises, homilies, commentaries Nearly innumerable letters, treatises, homilies, commentaries Commentary, expositions, sermons on Psalms Commentary, expositions, sermons on Psalms

9. Introduction to Confessions Written shortly after Augustine was named bishop of Hippo (395-398) Written shortly after Augustine was named bishop of Hippo (395-398) Written at the request of his friend Paulinus of Nola; 11 years after his baptism Written at the request of his friend Paulinus of Nola; 11 years after his baptism It is Augustine the bishop reflecting in middle age on events in his youth; It is Augustine the bishop reflecting in middle age on events in his youth; It is not telling the story of his youth; it is a reflection It is not telling the story of his youth; it is a reflection May have been written as a defense against charge that Augustine was still a Manichean May have been written as a defense against charge that Augustine was still a Manichean Became an instant best seller Became an instant best seller

10. Confessions as Prayer Confessio: both ‘accusation of oneself and praise for God’ Sermon 67.2 Confessio: both ‘accusation of oneself and praise for God’ Sermon 67.2 It is first and foremost a prayer, not an autobiography; It is first and foremost a prayer, not an autobiography; The work is addressed to God The work is addressed to God There should be an AMEN at end of Book XIII There should be an AMEN at end of Book XIII

11. Which Translation Should You Read? Henry Chadwick, Oxford University Press, 1991 Henry Chadwick, Oxford University Press, 1991 Mary Boulding, New City Press, 1997 Mary Boulding, New City Press, 1997 But please do not use translation available on the Web. It is very turgid, plotting Victorian English. But please do not use translation available on the Web. It is very turgid, plotting Victorian English.

12. Structure Division of 13 Books is Augustine’s division Division of 13 Books is Augustine’s division Usually considered in two parts: Usually considered in two parts: Augustine’s past (I-IX) Augustine’s past (I-IX) Augustine's present (X-XIII) Augustine's present (X-XIII) NB: The last 4 books (Part 2) are an integral part of the whole NB: The last 4 books (Part 2) are an integral part of the whole

13. Structure of Part 1 Can be viewed as a chiasm Can be viewed as a chiasm Book I: From God; birth and relationship of infant with mother Book I: From God; birth and relationship of infant with mother Book II: Bondage of Flesh Book II: Bondage of Flesh Book III: Slavery of eyes and mind; problem of evil Book III: Slavery of eyes and mind; problem of evil Book IV Ambition of World Book IV Ambition of World Book V Encounter with Faustus, Manichaeism, philosophy; moving from Carthage to Rome Book V Encounter with Faustus, Manichaeism, philosophy; moving from Carthage to Rome Book VI: Recognition of emptiness of world’s ambition Book VI: Recognition of emptiness of world’s ambition Book VII: Freedom of mind; resolution of problem of evil Book VII: Freedom of mind; resolution of problem of evil Book VIII: Liberation from bondage of flesh Book VIII: Liberation from bondage of flesh Book IX: Relation to Monica, her death, return to God Book IX: Relation to Monica, her death, return to God

14. Structure of Part 2 Book X: Augustine the Bishop at the end of his reflection on his youth, meditates on Book X: Augustine the Bishop at the end of his reflection on his youth, meditates on Memory and knowledge Memory and knowledge Sin Sin Book XI: Augustine the Bishop meditates on Book XI: Augustine the Bishop meditates on “In the beginning” “In the beginning” What is Time What is Time Book XII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on Book XII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on “God created the heavens and the earth” “God created the heavens and the earth” How to interpret Scripture and authorial intent How to interpret Scripture and authorial intent Book XIII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on Book XIII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on Trinity Trinity Church Church NB: Augustine uses the word ‘confessions’ more often in these last four than the previous nine books NB: Augustine uses the word ‘confessions’ more often in these last four than the previous nine books

15. Program for Next Three Sessions Discuss Books I – IV on Monday, Jan 14 Discuss Books I – IV on Monday, Jan 14 Discuss Books V-VIII on Monday, Jan 21 Discuss Books V-VIII on Monday, Jan 21 Discuss Books IX- X, selections of XI Jan 28 Discuss Books IX- X, selections of XI Jan 28 The Monday before each discussion The Monday before each discussion Lecture a bit on some of the background helpful in reading for the next week Lecture a bit on some of the background helpful in reading for the next week Suggest themes to look for in reading Suggest themes to look for in reading

16. Background for Books I - IV Late Antiquity and the Roman Empire Late Antiquity and the Roman Empire Political situation Political situation Philosophical schools Philosophical schools Status of Catholic Church Status of Catholic Church Most potent heresy of 4 th Century: Arianism Most potent heresy of 4 th Century: Arianism Books of the Bible Books of the Bible The New Religion of the Period: Manichaeism The New Religion of the Period: Manichaeism Problem of theodicy Problem of theodicy

17. Map of Roman Empire www.fsmitha.com/h1/map18rm.htm

18. Social Situation Fourth Century One of THE most important events in history happens in 4 th Century: conversion of Roman Empire to Christianity One of THE most important events in history happens in 4 th Century: conversion of Roman Empire to Christianity At the beginning of the Fourth Century, worst persecution of Christians (Emperor Diocletian) At the beginning of the Fourth Century, worst persecution of Christians (Emperor Diocletian) Constantine the Great attributes his victory at the Milvian Bridge (312) in Rome to Christianity Constantine the Great attributes his victory at the Milvian Bridge (312) in Rome to Christianity After Constantine, large numbers of people become Christians After Constantine, large numbers of people become Christians By the end of the century, Christianity declared official religion of Roman Empire by Theodosius the Great (381) By the end of the century, Christianity declared official religion of Roman Empire by Theodosius the Great (381)

19. Political and Military Situation At beginning of 4 th Century, Empire united under Diocletian and Constantine At beginning of 4 th Century, Empire united under Diocletian and Constantine Throughout 4 th Century civil wars among Constantine’s sons and successors Throughout 4 th Century civil wars among Constantine’s sons and successors Theodosius the Great reunites the Empire Theodosius the Great reunites the Empire Last Emperor of ‘entire’ Roman Empire Last Emperor of ‘entire’ Roman Empire Barbarian invasions begin in West late 4 th C, key moment is sack of Rome in 410 Barbarian invasions begin in West late 4 th C, key moment is sack of Rome in 410 Empire become divided East (capitol, Constantinople) and West (capitol, Rome) Empire become divided East (capitol, Constantinople) and West (capitol, Rome) Western Roman Empire ceases to exist 476 Western Roman Empire ceases to exist 476 Eastern Roman Empire ceased to exist 1453 Eastern Roman Empire ceased to exist 1453

20. Status of Catholic Church In this period, no distinction between Catholic (West) and Orthodox (East) In this period, no distinction between Catholic (West) and Orthodox (East) Becomes ‘politically expedient’ to join Church Becomes ‘politically expedient’ to join Church Most potent Christian heresy: Arianism Most potent Christian heresy: Arianism Belief that Christ was made by Father; not divine as Father is divine Belief that Christ was made by Father; not divine as Father is divine Council of Nicea (325) called to combat Arianism; Creed Council of Nicea (325) called to combat Arianism; Creed By end of 4 th Century Arianism no longer a threat within Roman Empire By end of 4 th Century Arianism no longer a threat within Roman Empire Another dangerous heresy: Donatism Another dangerous heresy: Donatism Prevalent in 4 th Century North Africa Prevalent in 4 th Century North Africa Believed in strict Christian discipline Believed in strict Christian discipline Efficacy of sacraments depended on holiness of minister Efficacy of sacraments depended on holiness of minister Augustine was main foe of Donatists Augustine was main foe of Donatists

21. Bible Prior to 4 th Century, many different views within Christianity about what is sacred scripture Prior to 4 th Century, many different views within Christianity about what is sacred scripture Old Testament in or out? Some wanted to reject Old Testament completely Old Testament in or out? Some wanted to reject Old Testament completely God seems angry, vengeful, anthropomorphic God seems angry, vengeful, anthropomorphic Notion develops that creator god is evil and opposed to spiritual good god Notion develops that creator god is evil and opposed to spiritual good god Which books of New Testament? Some want to severely restrict books, some want to include other books Which books of New Testament? Some want to severely restrict books, some want to include other books How to interpret the Bible, especially the Old Testament (more on this next week) How to interpret the Bible, especially the Old Testament (more on this next week) Literally Literally Allegorically Allegorically

22. Manichaeism Founded by Mani, Persian, mid-Third Century Founded by Mani, Persian, mid-Third Century Mani saw himself as the incarnation of the Holy Spirit Mani saw himself as the incarnation of the Holy Spirit Established a new religion that was a potent mix of Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Hinduism Established a new religion that was a potent mix of Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Hinduism Mani killed by Persians in 276 AD Mani killed by Persians in 276 AD Key belief: try to solve theodicy problem (how can there be a good creator God, and suffering and evil) with 2 gods Key belief: try to solve theodicy problem (how can there be a good creator God, and suffering and evil) with 2 gods Material world evil, creator god evil Material world evil, creator god evil Spiritual world good Spiritual world good Fully initiated Manichaeans led austere lives Fully initiated Manichaeans led austere lives Vegetarians Vegetarians Chaste Chaste Completely rejected material Completely rejected material Many people become Manichean ‘hearers’ or catechumens Many people become Manichean ‘hearers’ or catechumens Reputation for being elite, intellectual Reputation for being elite, intellectual

23. Partial Glossary of People and Things in Books I - IV Plato (d. 347 BC): Greek philosopher, student of Socrates; wrote many famous dialogs; emphasis on reality beyond material Plato (d. 347 BC): Greek philosopher, student of Socrates; wrote many famous dialogs; emphasis on reality beyond material Aristotle (d. 322 BC): Greek philosopher, student of Plato; emphasis on empiricism, logic; what can be known about observed reality Aristotle (d. 322 BC): Greek philosopher, student of Plato; emphasis on empiricism, logic; what can be known about observed reality Cicero (d. 43 BC): Orator (lawyer, politician), very influential Latin treatises; known for elegant use of language Cicero (d. 43 BC): Orator (lawyer, politician), very influential Latin treatises; known for elegant use of language Virgil (d. 17 BC): Roman poet who tells the story of the founding of Rome by Trojan Aeneas after fall of Troy Virgil (d. 17 BC): Roman poet who tells the story of the founding of Rome by Trojan Aeneas after fall of Troy Story of Aeneas and Dido: Found in Virgil; Aeneas loves and leaves Dido on his way to found Rome after Trojan War Story of Aeneas and Dido: Found in Virgil; Aeneas loves and leaves Dido on his way to found Rome after Trojan War Seneca (d. 65 AD): Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca (d. 65 AD): Roman Stoic philosopher Plotinus (d. 270 AD): mid-Third Century philosopher, founder of Neoplatonism, very influential on Augustine (more next week) Plotinus (d. 270 AD): mid-Third Century philosopher, founder of Neoplatonism, very influential on Augustine (more next week) Greek: The universal language (not Latin) across the Roman Empire; exceptions are laws and military administration in Latin Greek: The universal language (not Latin) across the Roman Empire; exceptions are laws and military administration in Latin

24. Some Things To Look For As you Read Are babies cute and innocent? What might this imply about human nature? Are babies cute and innocent? What might this imply about human nature? How do friends effect our actions? How do friends effect our actions? Why doesn’t Augustine like the Old Testament? Why doesn’t Augustine like the Old Testament? Where does he think he will find happiness? Where does he think he will find happiness? How is Augustine ‘modern’? How is Augustine ‘modern’? Notice that he is always asking questions Notice that he is always asking questions

25. Two Web Resources Three Volume Commentary (Latin text, English descriptions) on Confessions by JJ O’Donnell, http://www.stoa.org/hippo/ Three Volume Commentary (Latin text, English descriptions) on Confessions by JJ O’Donnell, http://www.stoa.org/hippo/http://www.stoa.org/hippo/ Online Cliff Notes, http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitNote/St- Augustine-s-Confessions.id-166,pageNum-1.html Online Cliff Notes, http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitNote/St- Augustine-s-Confessions.id-166,pageNum-1.html