Who was Augustine of Hippo, and what was his primary role in the early Christian Church?

Augustine of Hippo, also known as Saint Augustine, was a theologian and philosopher of Berber origin who served as the bishop of Hippo Regius in Roman North Africa. He is considered one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church during the Patristic Period, a time when foundational Christian doctrines were being established.

What were the key dates and locations associated with Augustine of Hippo's life?

Augustine of Hippo was born on November 13, 354, in Thagaste, Numidia Cirtensis, Roman Empire (modern-day Souk Ahras, Algeria). He died on August 28, 430, at Hippo Regius, Numidia Cirtensis, Western Roman Empire (modern-day Annaba, Algeria).

Which of Augustine of Hippo's writings are considered his most important works?

His many important works include *The City of God*, which offers a Christian philosophy of history; *On Christian Doctrine*, a guide to interpreting scripture; and *Confessions*, his autobiographical account of his spiritual journey and conversion.

What notable theological and philosophical ideas are associated with Augustine of Hippo?

Augustine is associated with several notable ideas, including the *Filioque* clause (regarding the procession of the Holy Spirit), the doctrine of original sin, concepts of free will, Augustinian soteriology (the study of salvation), just war theory, the absence of good as the nature of evil, concupiscence (lust), sacramental character, the Augustinian hypothesis (regarding the synoptic problem), Augustinian theodicy (defense of God's goodness in the face of evil), Augustinian values, divine command theory, amillennialism (a view of the millennium in Christian eschatology), and divine illumination.

How did Augustine's writings impact the development of Western philosophy and Christianity?

Augustine's writings profoundly influenced the development of Western philosophy and Western Christianity. He is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church, and his thoughts significantly shaped the medieval worldview and continue to influence modern thought.

What were Augustine's early religious and philosophical affiliations before his conversion to Christianity?

In his youth, Augustine was initially drawn to the Manichaean faith, a dualistic religion, and later to the Hellenistic philosophy of Neoplatonism, which emphasized spiritual and intellectual ascent.

In which Christian denominations is Augustine recognized as a saint?

Augustine is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Lutheran churches, and the Anglican Communion, demonstrating his broad influence across Christian traditions.

What are the attributes and patronages associated with Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine's attributes include a crozier, mitre, a young child, a book, a small church, and a flaming or pierced heart. He is the patron saint of brewers, printers, theologians, philosophers, and is invoked against sore eyes, as well as being the patron of several cities and dioceses.

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

Augustine's family name, Aurelius, suggests that his father's ancestors were freedmen of the *gens Aurelia*, who were granted full Roman citizenship by the Edict of Caracalla in 212 CE. This indicates his family had been Roman, from a legal standpoint, for at least a century before his birth.

Describe Augustine's ethnic background and the language spoken in his home.

Scholars generally agree that Augustine and his family were Berbers, an indigenous ethnic group of North Africa. Despite their Berber origin, they were heavily Romanized and spoke only Latin at home, viewing it as a matter of pride and dignity.

What significant event from his childhood, described in *Confessions*, provided Augustine with an early insight into the nature of sin?

In his autobiography *Confessions*, Augustine recounts stealing pears from a neighbor's garden with friends at age 11. He realized the pears were not tempting for their color or flavor, nor was he hungry or poor, concluding that the sin was driven by the 'companionship' and the delight in the forbidden act itself, rather than a desire for the fruit.

How did Augustine explain the nature of sin in the context of his pear theft?

Augustine concluded that one does not desire evil for evil's sake. Instead, sin arises 'through an inordinate preference for these goods of a lower kind, the better and higher are neglected.' This means that humans are drawn to sin when they choose a lesser good over a greater good, often for the sake of perverse pleasure or social acceptance.

What book profoundly influenced Augustine's interest in philosophy during his studies in Carthage?

While a student in Carthage, Augustine read Cicero's dialogue *Hortensius* (now lost). He described this work as leaving a lasting impression, igniting his love of wisdom and a deep thirst for truth, which marked the beginning of his philosophical journey.

Describe Augustine's romantic relationships and the birth of his son before his conversion.

Around age 17, Augustine began a relationship with a young woman in Carthage, which lasted over fifteen years despite his mother's warnings against fornication. This relationship resulted in the birth of his son, Adeodatus, whose name means 'Gift from God.' Augustine later ended this relationship to prepare for an arranged marriage, but this marriage did not occur as he converted to Christianity and decided to become a priest.

What was Augustine's proficiency in Greek and Latin languages?

Augustine was a brilliant student and became a master of Latin. However, he never fully mastered Greek due to a negative early experience with a brutal Greek teacher, and by the time he recognized its importance, it was too late for him to become eloquent in it.

Why did Augustine move from Carthage to Rome to teach rhetoric, and what was his experience there?

Augustine moved to Rome in 383 CE because he was disturbed by the unruly students in Carthage and believed Rome offered a better environment for rhetoricians. However, he was disappointed by the apathetic reception in Rome, as many students would attend his lectures faithfully but then fail to pay their fees on the last day of the term.

How did Augustine secure his rhetoric professor position in Milan?

Manichaean friends introduced Augustine to Symmachus, the prefect of the City of Rome. Symmachus had been asked by the imperial court in Milan to provide a rhetoric professor, and Augustine won the position, moving to Milan in late 384 CE. This was a highly visible academic role that offered access to political careers.

What factors contributed to Augustine's eventual conversion to Christianity in Milan?

In Milan, Augustine was influenced by his mother's deep religiosity, his own studies in Neoplatonism, and the counsel of his friend Simplicianus. These factors, combined with the Edict of Thessalonica which made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, and his contact with Ambrose of Milan, urged him towards Christianity.

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

During a period of intense emotional and spiritual struggle, Augustine famously uttered the prayer, 'Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet.' This reflects his internal conflict between his desire for spiritual purity and his lingering attachment to worldly pleasures.

When and how did Augustine convert to Christianity, and what biblical passage played a role?

In late August 386 CE, at the age of 31, Augustine converted to Christianity. His conversion was prompted by hearing a child's voice say 'take up and read' (Latin: *tolle, lege*). He opened a book of St. Paul's writings at random and read Romans 13:13–14, which spoke against 'rioting and drunkenness' and encouraged putting on 'the Lord Jesus Christ'.

What is the significance of Augustine's *Confessions* in Christian theology and autobiography?

*Confessions* is a classic of Christian theology and a foundational text in the history of autobiography. It serves as an outpouring of thanksgiving and penitence, and beyond recounting his life, it delves into profound philosophical topics such as the nature of time, causality, and free will.

What happened to Augustine's family and property after his return to Africa and his son's death?

After returning to Africa, Augustine's mother, Monica, died in Ostia, Italy. A year later, his son, Adeodatus, also died. Augustine then sold his patrimony and distributed the money to the poor, converting his family home into a monastic foundation for himself and a group of friends.

When was Augustine ordained a priest and later consecrated as Bishop of Hippo?

Augustine was ordained a priest in Hippo Regius (modern-day Annaba, Algeria) in 391 CE. He was then made coadjutor Bishop of Hippo in 395 CE and became the full Bishop shortly thereafter, a position he held until his death in 430 CE.

What was Augustine's approach to preaching, and what rhetorical techniques did he employ?

After converting to Christianity, Augustine dedicated himself to preaching, delivering an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 sermons, with about 500 preserved today. He used a variety of rhetorical devices, including analogies, word pictures, similes, metaphors, repetition, and antithesis, to explain biblical concepts and ensure the salvation of his audience.

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

Augustine wrote *The City of God* (Latin: *De civitate Dei*), a 22-book work, to restore the confidence of his fellow Christians, whose faith was shaken by the Visigoths' sack of Rome in 410 CE. This work presented the Church as a spiritual 'City of God' distinct from the material 'Earthly City'.

Who documented much of Augustine's later life, and what personal traits were highlighted?

Much of Augustine's later life was recorded by his friend Possidius, the bishop of Calama, in his *Sancti Augustini Vita*. Possidius admired Augustine's intellect and oratorical skills, and described him as a man who ate sparingly, worked tirelessly, despised gossip, shunned fleshly temptations, and exercised prudence in managing his diocese's finances.

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

Shortly before Augustine's death, the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that had converted to Arianism, invaded Roman Africa and besieged Hippo in the spring of 430 CE. Augustine entered his final illness during this siege.

What happened to Augustine's library and cathedral after his death and the Vandal siege?

After Augustine's death, the Vandals lifted the siege of Hippo but later returned and burned the city. However, they left Augustine's cathedral and library untouched, preserving his intellectual legacy.

Where were Augustine's remains initially moved, and why were they later transported to Pavia, Italy?

According to Bede's *True Martyrology*, Augustine's body was initially moved to Cagliari, Sardinia, by Catholic bishops expelled from North Africa by Huneric. Around 720 CE, his remains were transported again by Peter, bishop of Pavia, to the church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro in Pavia, Italy, to protect them from frequent coastal raids by Saracens.

What was Augustine's theological anthropology, and how did he view the unity of soul and body?

Augustine was one of the first Christian Latin authors with a clear vision of theological anthropology, viewing the human being as a perfect unity of soul and body. He used the figure of marriage to describe this unity, stating 'your body is your wife,' and emphasized respect for the body as integral to human nature.

How did Augustine believe the fall of humanity affected the relationship between the body and soul?

Augustine believed that while the body and soul were initially in perfect harmony, after the fall of humanity, they entered into dramatic combat with one another. He saw them as metaphysically distinct, with the soul being superior, but acknowledged their composite nature in humans.

What was Augustine's nuanced stance on abortion, particularly regarding 'formed' and 'unformed' fetuses?

Augustine vigorously condemned induced abortion at any stage of pregnancy. However, he acknowledged a distinction between 'formed' and 'unformed' fetuses, based on the Septuagint's translation of Exodus 21:22–23. He did not classify the abortion of an 'unformed' fetus as murder, as he believed the timing of the soul's infusion was a mystery known only to God.

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

Augustine argued that God created everything in the universe simultaneously, rather than over a literal six-day period. He viewed the six-day structure in Genesis as a logical framework with spiritual, not physical, meaning, suggesting it was a heuristic device to make the incomprehensible event of creation understandable to humans.

What was Augustine's doctrine of the Church, particularly in response to the Donatist sect?

Augustine taught that there is one Church with both a visible aspect (institutional hierarchy, sacraments, laity) and an invisible aspect (the souls of the elect, known only to God). This countered the Donatist claim that only those in a state of grace constituted the 'true' church and that sacraments administered by sinful clergy were invalid. He believed the visible Church would contain both 'wheat' and 'tares' until the end of time.

How did Augustine's eschatological views evolve regarding premillennialism?

Augustine initially believed in premillennialism, which posits that Christ would establish a literal 1,000-year kingdom before the general resurrection. However, he later rejected this belief, viewing it as carnal, and instead adopted amillennialism, where Christ rules the earth spiritually through his triumphant church.

According to Augustine, what was the nature of Adam and Eve's original sin?

Augustine taught that the sin of Adam and Eve was either an act of foolishness (*insipientia*) followed by pride and disobedience to God, or that pride came first. Their disobedience to God's command not to eat from the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil stemmed from self-centeredness, failing to respect the divinely established order of creation.

How did Augustine describe the metaphysical nature of concupiscence (libido) after the Fall?

Augustine described concupiscence, or libido, as a 'bad quality' or a 'wound' rather than a state of being. He saw it as the privation of good, affecting human intelligence, will, affections, and desires, including sexual desire, and causing moral disorder in individuals.

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

Augustine developed his understanding of the consequences of original sin and the necessity of redeeming grace in his struggle against Pelagius and his Pelagian disciples, Caelestius and Julian of Eclanum. The Pelagians denied that original sin wounded human will and mind, asserting humanity's inherent capacity for good.

How did Augustine's view on human sexuality differ from that of the Neoplatonist Plotinus?

While both Augustine and Plotinus (a Neoplatonist) advocated for distancing from fleshly desires, their reasons differed. Plotinus taught that disdain for fleshly desire was necessary to reach mankind's ultimate state. Augustine, however, taught that human sexuality was wounded by the Fall and required redemption through Christ, with the body's purification fully realized in the resurrection.

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

After 412 CE, Augustine changed his theology, teaching that humanity, after the Fall, had no free will to believe in Christ but only a free will to sin. He stated that God's grace, not human choice, causes the individual act of faith, a departure from his earlier belief that predestination was based on God's foreknowledge of human belief.

What was Augustine's belief regarding the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist?

Augustine believed in a real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, stating that Christ's words 'This is my body' referred to the bread he held. He emphasized that Christians must have faith that the bread and wine are truly the body and blood of Christ, despite their physical appearance, and that not adoring it would be a sin.

What is the doctrine of divine illumination, as developed by Augustine?

The doctrine of divine illumination, central to Augustine's epistemology, posits that God actively and regularly participates in human perception and understanding. God illuminates the mind, enabling human beings to recognize intelligible realities, distinguishing this process from ordinary sense perception and providing the conditions for connecting with intellectual truths.

What was Augustine's personal philosophical stance on pacifism, and when did he consider violence a necessity?

Augustine personally asserted that Christians should be pacifists. However, he believed that peacefulness in the face of a grave wrong that could only be stopped by violence would be a sin. He considered defense of oneself or others a necessity, especially when authorized by a legitimate authority.

What phrase did Augustine coin in *The City of God* regarding the conditions for war?

In *The City of God*, Augustine coined the phrase 'just war theory.' He argued that the pursuit of peace must include the option of fighting for its long-term preservation, and such a war must be defensive, not pre-emptive, aimed at restoring peace.

What was Augustine's contribution to the concept of natural law and the legitimacy of human laws?

Augustine was among the earliest thinkers to examine the legitimacy of human laws, asserting that individuals with wisdom and conscience can use reason to recognize *lex naturalis*, or natural law. He concluded that 'an unjust law is no law at all,' implying that people are not obligated to obey laws that violate natural law and rights.

How did Augustine view slavery in relation to God's divine plan and sin?

In *The City of God*, Augustine presented slavery as a product of sin and contrary to God's divine plan. He wrote that God intended humans to have dominion only over irrational creation, not over other humans, and declared that 'the condition of slavery is the result of sin.'

What was Augustine's argument against homicidal attitudes towards Jewish people?

Augustine countered homicidal attitudes towards Jewish people by quoting Psalm 59:11, 'Slay them not, lest they should at last forget Thy law.' He argued that God allowed Jewish people to survive their dispersion as a warning to Christians, and thus they should be permitted to dwell in Christian lands, believing they would convert to Christianity at 'the end of time.'

Augustine Of Hippo Wiki: The Augustinian Epoch: Unpacking the Enduring Legacy of Hippo's Saint

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Who Was Augustine?

A Pivotal Figure

Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis, known as Augustine of Hippo, was a theologian and philosopher of Berber origin who served as the bishop of Hippo Regius in Roman North Africa. His extensive writings profoundly shaped the development of Western philosophy and Western Christianity, establishing him as one of the most significant Church Fathers of the Latin Church during the Patristic Period.

Enduring Influence

Augustine's intellectual contributions are vast, encompassing works such as Confessions, On Christian Doctrine, and The City of God. His contemporary, Jerome of Stridon, credited him with "establishing anew the ancient Faith." His ideas on grace, original sin, and just war theory became foundational, influencing not only the medieval worldview but also Protestant Reformers like Martin Luther.

Global Recognition

Recognized as a saint across various Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches, and the Anglican Communion, Augustine holds the esteemed title of a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. He is celebrated on August 28th in Western Christianity and June 15th in Eastern Christianity, and is invoked as the patron saint of brewers, printers, theologians, and philosophers.

Early Life & Education

Origins in Numidia

Born on November 13, 354, in Thagaste (modern-day Souk Ahras, Algeria), a municipium in the Roman province of Numidia, Augustine's family was of Berber origin but heavily Romanized, speaking Latin at home. His mother, Monica, was a devout Christian, while his father, Patricius, was a pagan who converted to Christianity on his deathbed.

Formative Experiences

At age 11, Augustine attended school in Madaurus, where he immersed himself in Latin literature and pagan practices. It was during this period that he recounted the famous "pear theft" in his Confessions, an act he later analyzed as a profound insight into the nature of sin, driven by the "companionship" of his accomplices rather than hunger or need. This early reflection highlighted his understanding of choosing lesser goods over greater ones.

Carthage & Rhetoric

Through the generosity of a fellow citizen, Augustine pursued higher education in rhetoric in Carthage at age 17. Despite his mother's warnings, he embraced a hedonistic lifestyle, forming a long-term relationship with a woman who bore his son, Adeodatus ("Gift from God"). His intellectual journey took a significant turn when he read Cicero's Hortensius, which ignited his passion for philosophy and a deep thirst for truth, leading him to explore Manichaeism, much to his mother's distress.

Journey to Faith

Rome & Milan

Disillusioned by unruly students in Carthage, Augustine moved to Rome in 383 to establish a rhetoric school, but found students there apathetic and dishonest about fees. Manichaean friends helped him secure a prestigious rhetoric professorship in Milan in 384. Though he spent a decade as a Manichaean "auditor," a disappointing encounter with Bishop Faustus of Mileve fostered skepticism. In Milan, his mother's persistent faith, his studies in Neoplatonism, and the counsel of his friend Simplicianus gradually drew him towards Christianity.

Ambrose's Influence

In Milan, Augustine was deeply impressed by Ambrose, the city's bishop, a master orator whose intellectual prowess and pastoral care resonated with him. Augustine described Ambrose as a father figure who welcomed him and profoundly influenced his reevaluation of Christian ideologies. Ambrose's adoption of Augustine as a spiritual son after his father's death further solidified their bond.

The "Tolle, Lege" Moment

In late August 386, at 31, Augustine experienced his pivotal conversion to Christianity. Prompted by a child's voice saying "take up and read" (tolle, lege), he opened a book of St. Paul's writings at random and read Romans 13:13–14, a passage that spoke directly to his struggles with hedonism. This moment, detailed in his autobiographical Confessions, marked a profound shift, leading him to utter his famous prayer, "Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet."

From Augustine's Confessions:

Belatedly I loved thee, O Beauty so ancient and so new, belatedly I loved thee. For see, thou wast within and I was without, and I sought thee out there. Unlovely, I rushed heedlessly among the lovely things thou hast made. Thou wast with me, but I was not with thee. These things kept me far from thee; even though they were not at all unless they were in thee. Thou didst call and cry aloud, and didst force open my deafness. Thou didst gleam and shine, and didst chase away my blindness. Thou didst breathe fragrant odours and I drew in my breath; and now I pant for thee. I tasted, and now I hunger and thirst. Thou didst touch me, and I burned for thy peace.^[81]

Priesthood & Bishopric

Baptism & Return to Africa

Ambrose baptized Augustine and his son Adeodatus in Milan on Easter Vigil, April 24–25, 387. A year later, in 388, Augustine completed his apology On the Holiness of the Catholic Church and returned to Africa. Tragically, his mother Monica died in Ostia, Italy, as they prepared to embark, and his son Adeodatus also passed away shortly after their arrival. Augustine then sold his patrimony, giving the proceeds to the poor, and converted his family home into a monastic foundation for himself and his friends.

A Renowned Preacher

In 391, Augustine was ordained a priest in Hippo Regius (modern Annaba, Algeria). He became a celebrated preacher, known for his eloquent combat against Manichaeism, his former faith. Over 350 of his sermons are preserved, though he is believed to have delivered thousands. His preaching style was dynamic, incorporating rhetorical devices like analogies, metaphors, and repetition to explain biblical scriptures and ensure his audience's salvation.

Bishop of Hippo

By 395, Augustine was made coadjutor Bishop of Hippo, becoming the full Bishop shortly thereafter. He remained in this influential position until his death in 430, dedicating himself to ministering to his congregation, interpreting the Bible, and tirelessly advocating for Christianity. His monumental work, The City of God, was written to console Christians after the Visigoths sacked Rome in 410, offering a vision of the Church as a spiritual kingdom distinct from earthly empires.

Augustine's Theology

Christian Anthropology

Augustine viewed the human being as a perfect unity of soul and body, emphasizing respect for the body as integral to the human person. He used the analogy of marriage to describe this unity: "your body is your wife." Post-Fall, he believed the soul and body entered into conflict, with the soul, as the rational element, superior to the body. He vigorously condemned induced abortion, distinguishing between "formed" and "unformed" fetuses based on Aristotelian thought, though he considered the timing of soul infusion a divine mystery.

Creation & Interpretation

In City of God, Augustine rejected contemporary ideas of cosmic ages that contradicted sacred writings. In The Literal Interpretation of Genesis, he argued that God created everything simultaneously, and the six-day structure of Genesis represents a logical, spiritual framework rather than a physical passage of time. He also suggested that Adam and Eve's bodies were mortal before the Fall, and recognized that biblical interpretations could evolve with new information.

Ecclesiology

Augustine's doctrine of the Church, developed in response to the Donatist sect, posited one Church with both visible (institutional hierarchy, sacraments, laity) and invisible (souls of the elect) realities. He taught that the visible Church would contain both "wheat and tares" until the end of time, countering Donatist claims of a "pure" church. He saw the Church as a heavenly city, ruled by love, destined to triumph over earthly empires, and affirmed the apostolic succession of bishops and priests.

Eschatology

Initially a premillennialist, Augustine later rejected this view as "carnal," embracing amillennialism, where Christ spiritually rules the earth through his triumphant church. This Augustinian amillennialism became foundational for medieval Catholic eschatology. He taught that the soul's eternal fate is determined at death, and that purgatorial fires purify only those who died in communion with the Church, providing a basis for later theological developments.

Mariology

Though not developing an independent Mariology, Augustine's statements on Mary were significant for his time. He defended the Ever-Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, believing her to be "full of grace" due to her sexual integrity and innocence. He affirmed that the Virgin Mary "conceived as virgin, gave birth as virgin and stayed virgin forever," predating the Council of Ephesus's formal declarations.

Biblical Interpretation

Augustine held that if a literal interpretation of biblical text contradicted science and God-given human reason, the text should be interpreted metaphorically. He believed that while every passage has a literal sense, this does not always mean it is mere history; at times, it functions as an extended metaphor, requiring deeper understanding.

Original Sin

Augustine taught that the sin of Adam and Eve stemmed from foolishness or pride, leading to disobedience to God's command regarding the Tree of Knowledge. This act wounded human nature with concupiscence, affecting intelligence, will, affections, and desires, including sexual desire. He defined concupiscence not as a state of being but as a "privation of good" or a wound. His views, developed against Pelagianism, emphasized that Adam's sin is inherited by all, enfeebling but not destroying free will, and introduced the controversial concept of inherited guilt.

Predestination

Augustine believed God orders all things while preserving human freedom. Initially, he thought predestination was based on God's foreknowledge of human faith. However, in response to Pelagius, he later argued that God's grace unilaterally causes the individual act of faith, asserting that pride lies in assuming human choice in salvation. Scholars debate whether his teaching implies double predestination, but he was the first Christian to understand predestination as a divine pre-determination of eternal destinies independent of human choice.

Sacramental Theology

Against the Donatists, Augustine distinguished between the "regularity" and "validity" of sacraments. He argued that sacraments performed by schismatics, though irregular, were valid if done in Christ's name and according to Church rites, as their validity does not depend on the minister's holiness (ex opere operato). He believed in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, stating that the bread and wine are truly Christ's body and blood, requiring faith despite sensory perception. He also strongly stressed the importance of infant baptism, though his views on its absolute necessity for salvation evolved.

Augustine's Philosophy

Epistemology & Illumination

Augustine's intellectual development was profoundly shaped by epistemological concerns. His early dialogues, such as Contra academicos and De Magistro, reflect his engagement with skeptical arguments and the development of his doctrine of divine illumination. This doctrine posits that God actively illuminates the human mind, enabling individuals to recognize intelligible realities. This illumination is accessible to all rational minds and differs from mere sense perception, providing the necessary conditions for the mind to connect with intelligible entities.

Just War Theory

Augustine personally advocated for pacifism as a philosophical stance for Christians. However, he also argued that inaction in the face of a grave wrong, which could only be stopped by violence, would constitute a sin. He posited that defense of oneself or others could be a necessity, especially when authorized by a legitimate authority. While not fully outlining the conditions for a just war, he coined the phrase in The City of God, emphasizing that the pursuit of peace must sometimes include fighting for its long-term preservation, but such a war must be defensive, not preemptive, and aimed at restoring peace. His arguments later influenced Thomas Aquinas's detailed conditions for just war.

Free Will & Grace

In his earlier theodicy, Augustine claimed God created humans and angels with free will, not intended for sin, and thus not equally predisposed to good and evil. He argued that a will defiled by sin is less "free" as it becomes bound by material attachments, leading to unhappiness. Sin impairs free will, while divine grace restores it. However, after 412, Augustine's theology shifted, leading him to teach that humanity, post-Fall, possessed no free will to believe in Christ, but only a free will to sin, stating, "I in fact strove on behalf of the free choice of the human 'will,' but God's grace conquered."

Astrology & Science

In Augustine's era, astrology was widely considered an exact science, and its practitioners, known as mathematici, were seen as learned individuals. Augustine himself was initially drawn to their claims of foretelling the future, particularly within Manichaean doctrine. However, as a bishop, he later warned against astrologers who combined science with horoscopes, dismissing them as "common swindlers" rather than genuine scholars of astronomy. He rejected their deterministic views, aligning with early Christian opposition to such concepts.

Death & Sainthood

The Siege of Hippo

Augustine's final days coincided with the Vandal invasion of Roman Africa. In the spring of 430, the Vandals, a Germanic tribe adhering to Arianism, laid siege to Hippo. During this siege, Augustine entered his final illness. His friend Possidius recorded a miracle attributed to Augustine during this time: the healing of an ill man. Augustine spent his last days in prayer and repentance, requesting the penitential Psalms of David be hung on his walls for constant reading, leading him to "weep freely and constantly."

Passing & Preservation

Augustine died on August 28, 430, at the age of 75. He had directed that the church's library in Hippo and all its books be carefully preserved. Shortly after his death, the Vandals temporarily lifted the siege, only to return and burn the city, sparing only Augustine's cathedral and library. His canonization occurred by popular acclaim, and he was later formally recognized as a Doctor of the Church in 1298 by Pope Boniface VIII.

Relics & Reverence

According to Bede's True Martyrology, Augustine's body was translated to Cagliari, Sardinia, by Catholic bishops fleeing North Africa. Around 720, his remains were moved again by Peter, Bishop of Pavia, to the church of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro in Pavia, Italy, to protect them from Saracen raids. In 1327, Pope John XXII appointed the Augustinians as guardians of his tomb, known as the Arca, which was elaborately remade in 1362. A portion of his right arm was returned to Annaba in 1842, now resting in the Saint Augustin Basilica.

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References

"[T]he names Monnica and Nonnica are found on tombstones in the Libyan language – as such Monnica is the only Berber name commonly used in English."Brett & Fentress 1996, p. 293

Brown 2000, p. 64 places Augustine's garden conversion at the end of August, 386.

See: C. Kirwan, Augustine (London, 1989), pp. 209â218; and J. M. Rist. Augustine: Ancient Thought Baptized (Cambridge, 1994), pp. 239â245.

Know Your Patron Saint. catholicapologetics.info

Kishlansky, Geary & O'Brien 2005, pp. 142â143.

Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Theologian. Justus.anglican.org. Retrieved on 17 June 2015.

Augustine, Confessions 10.27.38, tr. Albert C. Outler. https://faculty.georgetown.edu/jod/augustine/conf.pdf

Joseph Ratzinger, Behold the Pierced One (Ignatius Press: 2011), ePub ed. 63 See also, J.van der Meer, Augustinus der Seelsorger (Cologned 1951), 324

CCL 40, 2077 [46] â 2078 [74]; 46, 234â235.

Augustine of Hippo, De quantitate animae 13.12: Substantia quaedam rationis particeps, regendo corpori accomodata.

Augustine of Hippo, De Genesi ad literam 1:19â20, Chapt. 19 [408], De Genesi ad literam, 2:9

Augustine of Hippo, Nisi radicem mali humanus tunc reciperet sensus ("Contra Julianum", I, 9.42; PL 44, 670)

Marius Mercator Lib. subnot.in verb. Iul. Praef.,2,3; PL 48,111 /v.5â13/

Augustine of Hippo, On Christian Doctrine, Book II, Chapter 3; Book III, Chapter 9; Book III, Chapter 16

"A Time For War?" Christianity Today (9 January 2001). Retrieved on 28 April 2013.

Augustine of Hippo. Crusades-encyclopedia.com. Retrieved on 28 April 2013.

St. Augustine of Hippo, Crusades-Encyclopedia

Augustine, "Of the Work of Monks", n. 25, in Philip Schaff, ed., A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, volume 3, p. 516. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1956.

Augustine, The City of God, Ch. 15, p. 411, Vol. II, Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers, Eerdman's, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Reprinted 1986

Richard S. Levy ed. Antisemitism: A historical encyclopedia of prejudice and persecution (2 vol ABC-CLIO, 2005) vol 1 pp 43â45.

. Paula Fredricksen, Augustine and the Jews: A Christian Defense of Jews and Judaism (Yale UP, 2010).

John 4:1â42

Eph 5:25

R. A. Markus, Saeculum: History and Society in the Theology of St.Augustine (Cambridge, 1970), pp. 149â153

Marcos, Mar. "The Debate on Religious Coercion in Ancient Christianity." Chaos e Kosmos 14 (2013): 1â16.

Lamb, Michael. "Augustine and Republican Liberty: Contextualizing Coercion." Augustinian Studies (2017).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Augustine of Hippo Wikipedia page

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The Augustinian Epoch

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Who Was Augustine?

A Pivotal Figure

Enduring Influence

Global Recognition

Early Life & Education

Origins in Numidia

Formative Experiences

Carthage & Rhetoric

Journey to Faith

Rome & Milan

Ambrose's Influence

The "Tolle, Lege" Moment

Priesthood & Bishopric

Baptism & Return to Africa

A Renowned Preacher

Bishop of Hippo

Augustine's Theology

Christian Anthropology

Creation & Interpretation

Ecclesiology

Eschatology

Mariology

Biblical Interpretation

Original Sin

Predestination

Sacramental Theology

Augustine's Philosophy

Epistemology & Illumination

Just War Theory

Free Will & Grace

Astrology & Science

Death & Sainthood

The Siege of Hippo

Passing & Preservation

Relics & Reverence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice