Augustine's Confessions Books 3-9

A group of people who believed in a dualistic cosmology, where good and evil were both eternal and equally powerful.

Mani, a prophet who lived in the 3rd century AD, founded the Manichee religion.

A dualistic system where two opposing principles, light and darkness, are eternal and constantly battling. The creation of the world is a result of their conflict.

The belief that everything in the universe is made of either light or darkness, with no interaction or combination between them.

The belief in two Gods, a good God of light and an evil God of darkness. The evil God is responsible for the material world and the suffering it contains.

False. The Manichees believed the light God was omnipotent, having absolute power and control over everything.

True. They believed that the God of the Old Testament, who was responsible for the creation of the material world, was a representation of the evil God.

The Manichee theory of the creation of the world, which involves the mixing of light and darkness. The evil God captures some of the light, leading to the creation of the world and its imperfections.

Evil is seen as a material principle, originating from the evil God. It is a fundamental part of reality and cannot be overcome by good forces.

The body is seen as a prison for the light soul, and sexual intercourse is considered a form of evil because it contributes to the cycle of reincarnation.

Augustine describes a human being separated from God as a being filled with emptiness and a longing for something beyond themselves.

Augustine was deeply saddened by the loss of his friend, not simply because of the emotional bond but because his friend's death highlighted the fragility of life and the possibility of losing everything dear to him.

Augustine initially saw God as a distant, external entity, while the soul was a spark of the light God imprisoned within the body.

Augustine believed that true happiness comes from knowing God, while the Socratic sufficiency thesis suggests that happiness lies in achieving self-knowledge and virtue.

Augustine argues that knowing God is infinitely more important than knowing everything about the natural world. He believed that knowing God brings the greatest possible happiness.

Augustine found satisfaction in Faustus' refusal to answer his criticisms of Manichee cosmology because it revealed the flaws and contradictions within Manichee thought. This lack of response made it harder to maintain faith in the system.

Augustine acknowledges his past error in seeking happiness and fulfillment through worldly things rather than through God. He recognizes that this pursuit was inherently flawed and led to his dissatisfaction.

Augustine has started to question Manichaeism, but he isn't yet fully embracing Catholic Christianity. He's still searching for answers and struggling with the philosophical and theological challenges he encounters.

Augustine was drawn to Manichaeism because of its intellectual appeal, its promise of a clear and simple explanation of good and evil, its focus on the spiritual over the material, and its ability to explain the suffering and evil present in the world.

Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, had a significant impact on Augustine. He was a skilled orator and theologian whose interpretations of Scripture helped Augustine shift his perspective.

The argument that if God is both omnipotent and benevolent, then there wouldn't be evil in the world. The existence of evil would suggest either a lack of power or goodness in God.

Manichees believed that evil was an independent force, not a result of God's actions. Suffering was caused by the evil God, and they viewed it as a struggle against the forces of darkness.

Augustine became disillusioned with Manichee responses because their explanation for evil seemed implausible and lacked a clear moral compass. Their dualism failed to provide a satisfying explanation for the human experience of suffering.

Augustine had difficulty finding true fulfillment and understanding in his search for God. He felt lost and dissatisfied even though he was actively seeking God.

Augustine adopted Catholic beliefs because of his desire to find a belief system that could explain the suffering and evil he observed in the world. He was also drawn to the intellectual rigor and coherence of Catholic thought, unlike the contradictions he found in Manichaeism.

Augustine envisioned a community living a life dedicated to intellectual pursuits and spiritual growth. He dreamed of a place where like-minded individuals could share their thoughts and insights.

Augustine had difficulty understanding the concept of original sin. He questioned the implications of Adam's disobedience for the entire human race.

Augustine found insights from books by the Platonists, especially Plotinus, which helped him grasp the immaterial nature of the soul and its connection to the divine.

The Bible helped Augustine become a full convert to Christianity. It provided him with moral guidance, a personal understanding of God's love, and a sense of purpose.

Augustine is wrestling with the pain of his past and trying to understand the complexities of his own soul. He is struggling with the concepts of grace and sin, and searching for a deeper understanding of God's will.

Simplicianus, a Christian friend of Augustine, believed that philosophy could lead people to God. He saw it as a path towards spiritual enlightenment, but only through the lens of faith.

Augustine's conversion to Christianity was completed through a profound spiritual experience, a moment of clarity and surrender to God's grace. It was a decisive moment in his life, marking a shift in his outlook and priorities.

Augustine recounts the death of his mother, Monica, in book nine. This event was deeply emotional and significant for him as his mother played a crucial role in his spiritual development.

Augustine describes a deeply moving conversation with his mother in Ostia. They had a profound spiritual experience, a shared vision of the beauty of heaven, and a sense of unity with God.

Augustine is discussing his final encounter with his mother in book nine. He reflects on her life, celebrates her impact on him, and contemplates the possibility of seeing her again in heaven.