Saint Augustine: Philosopher and Theologian

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following individuals is referred to as 'my other half' in the Confessions of St. Augustine?

Evodius

Alpius (correct)

Licentius

Possidius

Cicero's book, Hortensius, played a significant role in St. Augustine's conversion.

True

Which individual from Tagaste paid for St. Augustine's studies in Carthage?

Romanus

St. Augustine was heavily influenced by the sermons of Bishop _____ of Milan.

Ambrose Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their descriptions:

Alpius = Bishop of Tagaste and companion of Augustine Evodius = Bishop of Uzala from Tagaste Possidius = Author of the first Life of St. Augustine Faustus = Mentor of the Manicheans and disappointment for Augustine Signup and view all the answers

In which year did St. Augustine convert to the Catholic Faith?

386 Signup and view all the answers

St. Augustine was born in Africa.

True Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for St. Augustine's conversion?

St. Monica Signup and view all the answers

St. Augustine was ordained a priest at __________.

Hippo Signup and view all the answers

Match St. Augustine's family members to their descriptions:

St. Monica = A humble and prayerful woman, responsible for his conversion Patricius = A pagan officer concerned about education but neglectful in life Navicus = His intelligent brother who died young Perpetua = His sister who entered religious life Signup and view all the answers

What was St. Augustine's profession before his conversion?

Teacher of Rhetorics Signup and view all the answers

St. Augustine's father, Patricius, became a Catholic during his life.

False Signup and view all the answers

What did St. Augustine publish in 426?

City of God Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical influence is Saint Augustine known to be radically influenced by?

Platonic doctrines Signup and view all the answers

Saint Augustine was a bishop in Hippo during the early days of the Roman Empire.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Saint Augustine's work that is often regarded as the first Western autobiography?

The Confessions Signup and view all the answers

Saint Augustine was born in the city of ______.

Tagaste Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts did Augustine frame?

Original sin Signup and view all the answers

Saint Augustine was opposed to the belief that people can choose to be good without divine aid.

True Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to Saint Augustine with their descriptions:

Papal Supremacy = The belief in the pope's authority over the church City of God = The spiritual realm in Augustine's thought Pelagianism = The belief in human merit without divine aid Saint Monica = Saint Augustine's Christian mother Signup and view all the answers

Saint Augustine's feast day is celebrated on ______.

June 15 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Life and Impact of Saint Augustine

Born on November 13, 354, in Tagaste, present-day Souk Ahras, Algeria.
Renowned philosopher and theologian; pivotal figure in the evolution of Western Christianity.
Influenced by Platonic doctrines, he introduced concepts such as original sin and just war.
Contrasted the spiritual "City of God" with the material "City of Man" during the decline of the Roman Empire.
Conversion to Christianity led to a prominent role as Bishop of Hippo; opposed Pelagianism, emphasizing divine aid for salvation.
Authored "The Confessions," considered the first Western autobiography, significant in theological discourse.
Recognized as a Doctor of the Church; canonized as a saint in Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Celebrated annually on June 15 in the Orthodox tradition, though some view him as heretical due to the "filioque clause."

Key Dates in Augustine's Life

365: Received secondary education in Madaura following his father's death.
370: Moved to Carthage and began studies; influenced by Cicero's writings.
373: Became a Manichean; returned to Tagaste as a teacher of Grammar.
385: Transitioned to teaching rhetoric in Rome; aimed for a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
386: Significant conversion experience in Milan; profound influence of St. Ambrose.
387: Baptized by St. Ambrose on Easter; decided to return to Africa.
391: Ordained priest at Hippo, established an Augustinian monastery.
395: Became Auxiliary Bishop of Hippo.
396: Became the residential Bishop of Hippo and founded a third monastery.
426: Published "The City of God."
Died on August 28, 430.

Personal Relationships and Influences

Saint Monica: His mother, a devout Christian whose prayers and example significantly influenced Augustine's conversion.
Patricius: His father, a pagan, who later converted to Catholicism influenced by Monica.
Melania: His concubine and mother of his son, Adeodatus; returned to Africa and entered religious life after Augustine's conversion.
Adeodatus: His son, notable for his intelligence, died in his teens.
Companions: Close friendship circle included Alpius, Licentius, Trigetius, and Evodius, who lived communal life and contributed to Augustinian ideals.
Influencers:
- Cicero: His writing spurred Augustine's intellectual awakening.
- St. Ambrose: Provided pivotal guidance and inspiration leading to Augustine's conversion.
- Faustus: Manichean leader whose teachings ultimately led Augustine away from Manicheanism.
- Romanus: Benefactor who funded Augustine's education, fostering future educational endeavors.

Theological Contributions and Legacy

Promoted the idea of Papal Supremacy within the Church.
His works shaped Christian theology, particularly regarding salvation and grace, influencing both Catholic and Protestant thought.
Viewed as a theological father of the Reformation, impacting teachings on grace among Calvinists.
The Augustinian religious order directly derives its name and principles from his life and teachings.

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Description

Explore the life and impact of Saint Augustine, a key figure in Western Christianity. Learn about his philosophical contributions, including the concepts of original sin and just war, and his influence from Platonic doctrines. Discover how his thoughts shaped the early Church during the decline of the Roman Empire.