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Study Guide: Augustine of Hippo: Life, Theology, and Enduring Influence

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Augustine of Hippo: Life, Theology, and Enduring Influence Study Guide

Biographical Context and Conversion

Augustine of Hippo was primarily known as a Roman emperor during the Patristic Period.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine of Hippo was a prominent theologian and philosopher who served as a bishop, not a Roman emperor, during the Patristic Period.

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Augustine's birth and death locations, Thagaste and Hippo Regius, are both situated in modern-day Algeria.

Answer: True

Explanation: Both Thagaste and Hippo Regius, Augustine's birth and death locations respectively, are identified as being in modern-day Algeria.

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Before his conversion, Augustine was initially drawn to Stoicism and later to Epicureanism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Before his conversion, Augustine was initially drawn to the Manichaean faith and later to Neoplatonism, not Stoicism and Epicureanism.

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Augustine's family name, Aurelius, indicates his ancestors were granted Roman citizenship by the Edict of Caracalla in 312 CE.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine's family name 'Aurelius' suggests his father's ancestors were granted Roman citizenship by the Edict of Caracalla in 212 CE, not 312 CE.

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Despite their Berber origin, Augustine's family spoke only Latin at home, viewing it as a matter of pride.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine's family, though of Berber origin, was Romanized and spoke Latin exclusively at home, considering it a mark of pride and dignity.

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Cicero's dialogue *Hortensius* was a lost work that profoundly influenced Augustine's interest in philosophy during his studies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cicero's *Hortensius*, though now lost, profoundly influenced Augustine, igniting his love of wisdom and thirst for truth.

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Augustine's son, Adeodatus, was born from his arranged marriage, which ultimately led to his conversion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine's son, Adeodatus, was born from a long-term relationship before his conversion, and his arranged marriage did not occur as he decided to become a priest.

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Augustine was highly proficient in both Greek and Latin, mastering both languages during his early education.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine was a master of Latin but never fully mastered Greek due to a negative early experience.

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Augustine moved to Rome to teach rhetoric because he sought a more prestigious position than what Carthage offered, and he found great success there.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine moved to Rome due to unruly students in Carthage but was disappointed by the apathetic reception and lack of payment from students in Rome.

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Augustine's famous prayer, 'Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet,' reflects his immediate and complete surrender to spiritual purity.

Answer: False

Explanation: This prayer reflects Augustine's internal conflict and lingering attachment to worldly pleasures, not an immediate and complete surrender.

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Augustine's conversion in 386 CE was prompted by hearing a child's voice and reading a passage from the Book of Romans.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine's conversion was indeed prompted by hearing a child's voice and subsequently reading Romans 13:13–14.

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Augustine's mother, Monica, and his son, Adeodatus, both died in Africa after his return from Italy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine's mother, Monica, died in Ostia, Italy, after his return from Africa, while his son, Adeodatus, died a year later in Africa.

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Augustine was ordained a priest in 391 CE and became the full Bishop of Hippo in 395 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine was ordained a priest in 391 CE and subsequently became the full Bishop of Hippo in 395 CE.

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Possidius, Augustine's friend, documented his later life and highlighted his lavish lifestyle and love for gossip.

Answer: False

Explanation: Possidius documented Augustine's later life, describing him as a man who ate sparingly, worked tirelessly, and despised gossip, not one who lived lavishly or loved gossip.

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Augustine's death coincided with the Vandal invasion and siege of Hippo in 430 CE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine entered his final illness and died during the Vandal siege of Hippo in 430 CE.

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Augustine's library and cathedral were destroyed by the Vandals after his death.

Answer: False

Explanation: Although the Vandals burned Hippo after Augustine's death, they left his cathedral and library untouched.

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Which of the following best describes Augustine of Hippo's primary role in the early Christian Church?

Answer: A theologian and philosopher who served as bishop of Hippo Regius.

Explanation: Augustine of Hippo was a prominent theologian and philosopher who served as the bishop of Hippo Regius, making significant contributions to early Christian doctrine.

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In which modern-day country were both Augustine of Hippo's birth and death locations situated?

Answer: Algeria

Explanation: Augustine's birth in Thagaste and death in Hippo Regius both occurred in regions now part of modern-day Algeria.

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Before his conversion to Christianity, Augustine was drawn to which two religious or philosophical affiliations?

Answer: Manichaean faith and Neoplatonism

Explanation: Prior to his conversion, Augustine was drawn to the dualistic Manichaean faith and later to Neoplatonism.

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What does Augustine's family name 'Aurelius' suggest about his family's Roman citizenship?

Answer: It suggests his father's ancestors were freedmen granted Roman citizenship in 212 CE.

Explanation: The family name 'Aurelius' indicates that Augustine's paternal ancestors were likely freedmen who received Roman citizenship through the Edict of Caracalla in 212 CE.

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What was the primary language spoken in Augustine's home, despite his Berber ethnic background?

Answer: Latin

Explanation: Despite their Berber origin, Augustine's family was Romanized and spoke Latin exclusively at home.

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Which classical work profoundly influenced Augustine's interest in philosophy during his studies in Carthage?

Answer: Cicero's *Hortensius*

Explanation: Cicero's dialogue *Hortensius* profoundly influenced Augustine, sparking his love for philosophy and truth.

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What was Augustine's proficiency in the Greek language?

Answer: He never fully mastered Greek due to a negative early experience.

Explanation: Augustine, despite his brilliance in Latin, never fully mastered Greek due to an unpleasant early educational experience.

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Why did Augustine move from Carthage to Rome to teach rhetoric in 383 CE?

Answer: He was disturbed by the unruly students in Carthage.

Explanation: Augustine moved to Rome from Carthage primarily because he was dissatisfied with the unruly behavior of students in Carthage.

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Which of the following factors was *not* listed as contributing to Augustine's eventual conversion to Christianity in Milan?

Answer: A direct vision of Christ

Explanation: While many factors contributed to Augustine's conversion, a direct vision of Christ is not mentioned among them in the provided text.

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What famous prayer did Augustine utter during his period of internal struggle with worldly desires?

Answer: “Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet.”

Explanation: Augustine's famous prayer, 'Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet,' encapsulates his internal struggle with his desires before his full conversion.

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What biblical passage played a role in Augustine's conversion in 386 CE?

Answer: Romans 13:13-14

Explanation: Augustine's conversion in 386 CE was significantly influenced by reading Romans 13:13-14 after hearing a child's voice.

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Who baptized Augustine and his son Adeodatus?

Answer: Ambrose

Explanation: Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, baptized Augustine and his son Adeodatus.

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What did Augustine do with his family home after his mother and son died and he returned to Africa?

Answer: He converted it into a monastic foundation for himself and friends.

Explanation: After the deaths of his mother and son, Augustine sold his patrimony and converted his family home into a monastic foundation.

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Who documented much of Augustine's later life in *Sancti Augustini Vita*?

Answer: His friend, Possidius

Explanation: Possidius, Augustine's friend and bishop of Calama, documented much of his later life in *Sancti Augustini Vita*.

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What significant historical event coincided with Augustine's final illness and death in 430 CE?

Answer: The Vandal invasion and siege of Hippo.

Explanation: Augustine's death in 430 CE occurred during the Vandal invasion and siege of his episcopal city, Hippo.

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Major Works and Philosophical Insights

*Confessions* is Augustine's work offering a Christian philosophy of history, while *The City of God* is his autobiographical account.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Confessions* is Augustine's autobiographical account, while *The City of God* offers a Christian philosophy of history.

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Augustine's pear theft, described in *Confessions*, taught him that sin is primarily driven by a desire for the forbidden object itself.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine concluded that the sin of the pear theft was driven by the 'companionship' and the delight in the forbidden act itself, rather than a desire for the fruit.

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*Confessions* is significant as a foundational text in autobiography and delves into philosophical topics like the nature of time.

Answer: True

Explanation: *Confessions* is a foundational autobiographical text that also explores deep philosophical questions, including the nature of time.

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Augustine wrote *The City of God* to critique the Roman Empire's decline and advocate for a purely secular government.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine wrote *The City of God* to console Christians after the Sack of Rome and to present the Church as a spiritual 'City of God' distinct from the material 'Earthly City', not to advocate for a purely secular government.

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According to Augustine, if a biblical text contradicts scientific understanding, it should be interpreted metaphorically.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine held that if a literal interpretation of a biblical text contradicted scientific understanding or human reason, it should be interpreted metaphorically.

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Which of Augustine's major works is an autobiographical account of his spiritual journey and conversion?

Answer: *Confessions*

Explanation: *Confessions* is Augustine's renowned autobiographical work detailing his spiritual journey and conversion.

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In *Confessions*, Augustine's account of stealing pears led him to conclude that the sin was driven by what?

Answer: The companionship and delight in the forbidden act itself.

Explanation: Augustine concluded that his childhood pear theft was driven by the perverse pleasure of the forbidden act and the companionship, rather than a desire for the fruit itself.

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What major work did Augustine write to console Christians after the Visigoths' Sack of Rome in 410 CE?

Answer: *The City of God*

Explanation: Augustine wrote *The City of God* to console Christians and address the theological implications following the Visigoths' Sack of Rome in 410 CE.

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According to Augustine, what should happen if a literal interpretation of a biblical text contradicts scientific understanding or human reason?

Answer: The biblical text should be interpreted metaphorically.

Explanation: Augustine maintained that if a literal biblical interpretation conflicts with established scientific understanding or human reason, the text should be interpreted metaphorically.

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Which three philosophical schools significantly influenced Augustine's reasoning?

Answer: Stoicism, Platonism, and Neoplatonism

Explanation: Augustine's philosophical and theological reasoning was significantly shaped by Stoicism, Platonism, and Neoplatonism.

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What was Bertrand Russell's assessment of Augustine's meditation on the nature of time in the *Confessions*?

Answer: He compared it favorably to Immanuel Kant's view that time is subjective.

Explanation: Bertrand Russell praised Augustine's meditation on the nature of time in *Confessions*, drawing parallels to Kant's subjective view of time.

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Core Theological Doctrines

The doctrine of original sin and the concept of amillennialism are among the notable theological ideas associated with Augustine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine is indeed associated with both the doctrine of original sin and the concept of amillennialism, among other significant theological ideas.

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Augustine viewed the human being as a perfect unity of soul and body, using the figure of marriage to describe this relationship.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine's theological anthropology indeed viewed the human being as a perfect unity of soul and body, using the analogy of marriage.

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Augustine interpreted the six-day creation account in Genesis as a literal historical timeline of God's creative acts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine interpreted the six-day creation account as a logical framework with spiritual, not physical, meaning, suggesting simultaneous creation.

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Augustine taught that the validity of sacraments depends on the holiness of the performing priest.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine taught that the validity of sacraments does not depend on the holiness of the performing priest (*ex opere operato*).

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Augustine initially believed in premillennialism but later rejected it as carnal, adopting amillennialism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine's eschatological views evolved from premillennialism to amillennialism, which he adopted after rejecting the former as carnal.

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Augustine taught that Adam and Eve's original sin was solely an act of disobedience, without any preceding pride or foolishness.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine taught that Adam and Eve's original sin was an act of foolishness or pride, which then led to disobedience.

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Augustine described concupiscence as a 'good quality' that enhances human will and desires.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine described concupiscence as a 'bad quality' or a 'wound' that causes moral disorder, not a good quality that enhances human will.

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Augustine developed his understanding of original sin in opposition to the Manichaean faith.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine developed his understanding of original sin and the necessity of redeeming grace in opposition to Pelagius and his Pelagian disciples.

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After 412 CE, Augustine taught that humanity, after the Fall, had no free will to believe in Christ, only a free will to sin.

Answer: True

Explanation: After 412 CE, Augustine shifted his theology to teach that fallen humanity lacked the free will to believe in Christ, possessing only the free will to sin, with faith being a result of God's grace.

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Augustine believed Adam was less guilty than Eve in the original sin because Eve ate the fruit first.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine believed both Adam and Eve had already chosen disobedience in their hearts before Eve ate the fruit, thus Adam was not less guilty.

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Which of the following theological concepts is *not* directly associated with Augustine of Hippo according to the source?

Answer: Transubstantiation

Explanation: The provided source lists many theological concepts associated with Augustine, but transubstantiation is not among them.

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According to Augustine's theological anthropology, how did he view the human being?

Answer: As a perfect unity of soul and body.

Explanation: Augustine's theological anthropology posited the human being as a perfect unity of soul and body, using the analogy of marriage to describe this relationship.

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How did Augustine interpret the six-day creation account in the Book of Genesis?

Answer: As a logical framework with spiritual, not physical, meaning.

Explanation: Augustine interpreted the six-day creation account as a logical framework with spiritual meaning, suggesting a simultaneous creation rather than a literal chronological one.

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In response to the Donatist sect, Augustine taught that the 'validity' of sacraments depends on what?

Answer: The proper performance according to Church rites, regardless of the priest's holiness.

Explanation: Augustine taught that the validity of sacraments (*ex opere operato*) depends on their proper performance according to Church rites, independent of the administering priest's personal holiness.

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Augustine's eschatological views evolved from initially believing in premillennialism to adopting which view?

Answer: Amillennialism

Explanation: Augustine's eschatological views shifted from premillennialism to amillennialism, which posits Christ's spiritual rule through the Church.

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What did Augustine teach was the nature of Adam and Eve's original sin?

Answer: An act of foolishness or pride followed by disobedience to God.

Explanation: Augustine taught that Adam and Eve's original sin was rooted in foolishness or pride, which then manifested as disobedience to God's command.

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Against which group did Augustine develop his understanding of original sin and the necessity of redeeming grace?

Answer: The Pelagians

Explanation: Augustine developed his doctrines of original sin and redeeming grace in direct opposition to the Pelagians, who denied the profound wounding of human will by sin.

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What was Augustine's later theological shift regarding human free will after 412 CE?

Answer: He taught that after the Fall, humanity had no free will to believe in Christ, only to sin.

Explanation: After 412 CE, Augustine's theology shifted to assert that fallen humanity, without divine grace, possessed free will only to sin, not to believe in Christ.

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Ethics, Social Thought, and Controversies

Augustine believed that the abortion of an 'unformed' fetus should be classified as murder, as the soul is infused at conception.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine did not classify the abortion of an 'unformed' fetus as murder, believing the timing of the soul's infusion was a mystery, though he condemned all induced abortion.

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Augustine believed that before the Fall, sexual relations were characterized by shameful lust, similar to post-Fall experiences.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine believed that before the Fall, sexual relations were a passionless affair, performed by will without shameful lust.

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Augustine censured any actions taken to prevent offspring during sexual relations, including using drugs for sterility.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine explicitly censured actions to prevent offspring, including using drugs for sterility, viewing them as transforming marriage into debauchery.

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Augustine initially believed conversion should be voluntary but later supported state coercion against Donatists, viewing it as a loving discipline.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine's views on coercion evolved; he initially favored voluntary conversion but later supported state coercion against Donatists, seeing it as a corrective, loving discipline.

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Augustine explicitly advocated for the execution of heretics as a means of maintaining doctrinal purity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine explicitly opposed the execution of heretics, advocating for corrective punishments like fines or imprisonment, but not capital punishment.

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What was Augustine's stance on the abortion of an 'unformed' fetus?

Answer: He did not classify it as murder, believing the timing of the soul's infusion was a mystery.

Explanation: While condemning all induced abortion, Augustine distinguished between 'formed' and 'unformed' fetuses, not classifying the abortion of an 'unformed' fetus as murder due to the unknown timing of soul infusion.

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How did Augustine describe sexual relations before the Fall of Adam and Eve?

Answer: As a passionless affair, performed by will without lascivious heat.

Explanation: Augustine envisioned pre-Fall sexual relations as a passionless act, governed by will and devoid of shameful lust.

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What was Augustine's stance on preventing offspring during sexual relations?

Answer: He censured such actions, stating they transformed marriage into debauchery.

Explanation: Augustine strongly censured any actions taken to prevent offspring during sexual relations, considering them to pervert the purpose of marriage.

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What biblical analogy did Augustine use to legitimize coercion in his letters regarding the Donatist conflict?

Answer: The Great Feast ('compel them to come in')

Explanation: Augustine used the parable of the Great Feast, specifically the phrase 'compel them to come in,' as a biblical justification for coercion in the Donatist conflict.

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Which of the following punishments did Augustine explicitly *oppose* in the context of coercion against heretics?

Answer: Execution

Explanation: While Augustine supported certain forms of coercion, he explicitly opposed the execution of heretics, advocating for corrective measures instead.

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Pedagogical Philosophy

In *De Magistro*, Augustine emphasized rote memorization and strict adherence to a single teaching style for all students.

Answer: False

Explanation: In *De Magistro*, Augustine emphasized critical thinking, dialectic, and adapting teaching styles to students' backgrounds, not rote memorization or a single teaching style.

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In *De Magistro*, what did Augustine emphasize as the best method for learning?

Answer: Dialectic and critical thinking skills.

Explanation: In *De Magistro*, Augustine highlighted dialectic and critical thinking as superior methods for learning, advocating for active engagement over passive reception.

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Legacy and Historical Impact

Augustine's writings primarily influenced Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with minimal impact on Western philosophy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine's writings profoundly influenced Western philosophy and Western Christianity, not primarily Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

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Augustine is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches, and the Anglican Communion.

Answer: True

Explanation: Augustine is indeed recognized as a saint across these major Christian traditions, highlighting his broad theological significance.

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Augustine was formally recognized as a Doctor of the Church by Pope Boniface VIII in the 16th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Augustine was formally recognized as a Doctor of the Church in 1298 CE by Pope Boniface VIII, which was in the 13th century, not the 16th.

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Augustine's writings are noted for their profound influence on the development of which two major areas?

Answer: Western philosophy and Western Christianity

Explanation: Augustine's writings are recognized for their profound and lasting influence on both Western philosophy and Western Christianity.

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When was Augustine formally recognized as a Doctor of the Church, and by whom?

Answer: 1298 by Pope Boniface VIII

Explanation: Augustine was formally recognized as a Doctor of the Church in 1298 CE by Pope Boniface VIII.

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Who are considered the four Great Latin Church Fathers, including Augustine?

Answer: Augustine, Ambrose, Jerome, and Pope Gregory the Great

Explanation: Augustine is counted among the four Great Latin Church Fathers, alongside Ambrose, Jerome, and Pope Gregory the Great.

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How did Thomas Aquinas's view on original sin differ from Augustine's?

Answer: Aquinas proposed a more optimistic view, believing fallen man retained natural powers of reason and will.

Explanation: Thomas Aquinas, while influenced by Augustine, held a more optimistic view of humanity's post-Fall state, believing natural powers of reason and will were retained.

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Which Protestant reformers wholeheartedly embraced Augustine's deterministic teachings on original sin and free will, affirming 'total depravity'?

Answer: Martin Luther and John Calvin

Explanation: Martin Luther and John Calvin, key Protestant reformers, strongly adopted Augustine's deterministic views on original sin and free will, leading to the concept of 'total depravity'.

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