1. Fathers of the Church Study of their lives and works = patristics Greek Fathers, e.g. Clement (c. 150-c. 210) Origen (185-254) Latin Fathers e.g. Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-397) Jerome (c. 342-420) Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

2. Aristocratic origins 370 Governor of Aemilia- Liguria 374 Bishop of Milan Interest primarily in pastoral matters St Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-397)

3. Treatise on diocesan administration, De Officiis Ministrorum, inspired by De Officiis of Cicero Periodic conflicts with emperors over relationship of church and state, behaviour of emperors

4. Privileged background, studied at Rome, then Antioch How to rationalise acceptance of pagan Roman literature? Solution in Deut 21: 10-13; allegorical interpretation. 382 Becomes secretary to Pope Damasus I (p. 366-84) 385 Moves to monastery in Bethlehem St Jerome (c. 342-420)

5. Commonly-used Latin translation of Bible = Vulgate (common) text

6. St Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Born in Numidia, of pagan father and Christian mother Studied rhetoric in Carthage Confessions

7. St Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Manichaeism: Eastern form of Gnosticism. Two creative principles in universe: one good, one evil Neoplatonism: Light as source of all being. Evil as absence of light 384 Hears Ambrose preaching in Milan. Conversion follows soon after

8. St Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Augustinian theology: God as creator of good universe. Evil as result of misuse of free will History as unfolding of divine plan God as good and omnipotent. Grace and mercy as redeemers of sinner 390 Becomes bishop of Hippo

9. St Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Augustine involved in disputes with: 1. Manichaeans 2. Pelagians (teach that humans can be saved through exercise of free-will) 3. Donatists (teach that priest in state of mortal sin cannot administer sacraments)

10. St Augustine of Hippo (354-430) City of God, addressing issues of church and state. Written in response to sack of Rome by Visigoths in 410 God active in world even though human states come and go City of God vs. City of the World Worldly states as merely useful 430 Dies while Vandals besieging Hippo