AUGUSTINE-1-Lesson-1.txt

AUGUSTINE 1 LIFE, WORKS, TEACHINGS & SPIRITUALITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO Augustine’s Cultural Background and Early Childhood Topic 1: The Cultural Background of the Roman Empire During the Time of Augustine Political and Social Landscape Augustine lived during the late Roman Empire, a time mark...

AUGUSTINE 1 LIFE, WORKS, TEACHINGS & SPIRITUALITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO Augustine’s Cultural Background and Early Childhood Topic 1: The Cultural Background of the Roman Empire During the Time of Augustine Political and Social Landscape Augustine lived during the late Roman Empire, a time marked by political instability and decline. The empire was divided into the Western and Eastern Roman Empires, with the Western Empire facing increasing pressure from barbarian invasions. POLITICAL LANDSCAPE Urban Life Division of the Empire Barbarian Invasion Decline of Central Authority Rise of Christianity Urban Life Cities were centers of political power, economic activity, and cultural life. Carthage, where Augustine studied, was one of the most important cities in the Western Empire, second only to Rome. Division of the Empire: The Roman Empire was divided into the Western and Eastern Roman Empires by the late 4th century. This division, solidified by Emperor Theodosius I's death in 395 AD, saw the Western Roman Empire struggling more acutely with internal instability and external threats. Barbarian Invasions: The Western Empire faced numerous invasions by various barbarian tribes such as the Visigoths, Vandals, and Huns. The sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 AD was a particularly significant event that occurred during Augustine's lifetime. POLITICAL LANDSCAPE Decline of Central Authority: Political power in the Western Empire became increasingly fragmented. Local leaders and military commanders often wielded more power than the central imperial authority, leading to a decline in effective governance. Rise of Christianity: Christianity had become the dominant religion of the Roman Empire by Augustine's time, following Constantine's conversion in the early 4th century and Theodosius I's establishment of Christianity as the state religion. This period saw significant theological development and ecclesiastical structuring. SOCIAL LANDSCAPE  Religious Transformation  Urban Decay and Ruralization  Social Hierarchy Religious Transformation: The rise of Christianity brought about profound changes in Roman society. Pagan practices were increasingly marginalized, and the Church played a central role in social and cultural life. Augustine himself was a key figure in Christian theology and philosophy. Urban Decay and Ruralization: Many urban centers in the Western Empire experienced decline as a result of economic hardship and barbarian invasions. People increasingly moved to rural areas, and large estates (latifundia) became more prominent in the social structure. Social Hierarchy: Roman society was hierarchical, with a clear distinction between the elites (senatorial and equestrian classes) and the lower classes (plebeians, freedmen, and slaves). Social mobility was limited, although education and connections could provide opportunities for advancement. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS     Economic Strain Economic Decline Barbarian Pressures Cultural Shifts Economic Strain: The Western Roman Empire faced severe economic difficulties, including heavy taxation, inflation, and a breakdown in trade networks. These issues contributed to social unrest and a declining standard of living for many. Economic Decline: The Western Roman Empire was experiencing economic decline, with decreased agricultural productivity, heavy taxation, and a shrinking population. This economic hardship contributed to social unrest and weakened the empire's ability to defend its borders. Barbarian Pressures: The Western Empire faced increasing pressure from barbarian groups such as the Visigoths, Vandals, and Huns. These invasions culminated in the sack of Rome in 410 AD and the eventual fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD. CULTURAL AND INTELLECTUAL CLIMATE  Hellenistic Influence  Rhetoric and Education  Religious Pluralism Hellenistic Influence: The cultural and intellectual life of the Roman Empire was heavily influenced by Greek (Hellenistic) philosophy and literature. Augustine himself was deeply influenced by the works of Plato and the Neoplatonists. Rhetoric and Education: Education was highly valued, particularly in rhetoric and philosophy. Augustine studied rhetoric in Carthage and later taught it in Rome and Milan. Rhetorical skill was crucial for public life, including law, politics, and teaching. Religious Pluralism: The Roman Empire was religiously diverse, with traditional Roman polytheism coexisting alongside numerous other religions, including various mystery cults, Eastern religions, Judaism, and Christianity. This pluralism created a complex religious landscape. RELIGIOUS TANSFORMATION  Christianity’s Rise  Theological Debates  Monasticism Christianity's Rise: Christianity was transitioning from a persecuted minority faith to the dominant religion of the empire. The Edict of Milan (313 AD) granted religious tolerance to Christians, and by the time of Augustine, Christianity was becoming institutionalized and influential in political life. Theological Debates: The period was marked by significant theological debates and the establishment of Christian orthodoxy. Councils like Nicaea (325 AD) and subsequent theological controversies shaped the development of Christian doctrine. Augustine himself was involved in major theological debates, including those against Donatism and Pelagianism. Monasticism: The monastic movement was gaining momentum, emphasizing asceticism and communal living as a path to spiritual perfection. Augustine was influenced by monastic ideals and founded a monastic community in Hippo. INTELLECTUAL AND LITERARY CONTRIBUTIONS  Latin Literature  Philosophical Inquiry Latin Literature: Latin remained the language of administration, literature, and scholarly work. Augustine wrote in Latin, contributing significantly to Latin Christian literature. His "Confessions" and "City of God" are masterpieces of Latin prose and theological reflection. Philosophical Inquiry: Augustine engaged deeply with classical philosophy, especially Neoplatonism, integrating these ideas into his Christian theology. His works reflect a synthesis of classical thought and Christian doctrine, addressing profound questions of existence, morality, and the nature of God. AUGUSTINE'S ROLE Augustine himself was deeply involved in the religious and intellectual life of his time. As the Bishop of Hippo, he wrote extensively on theological, philosophical, and moral issues. His works, such as "The Confessions" and "The City of God," addressed both the spiritual concerns of Christians and the broader social and political challenges facing the Empire. His ideas on the nature of the church, state, and human society influenced the development of Western Christianity and Western thought for centuries to come. AUGUSTINE 1 LIFE, WORKS, TEACHINGS & SPIRITUALITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO Augustine’s Early Childhood  Augustine was born in Tagaste (modern SoukAhras) on November 13, 354. Tagaste was not a large city; it is called civitas parva, “a small town”.  It offers only the first stage of public education, the schools taught by the perimus magister (instructor in the rudiments) or, in modern parlance - elementary schools.  The Province of Africa was taken over by the Roman Empire in 31 BCE and was considered as the second wealthiest in the Empire, next only to Italy. Tagaste is considered significant in as much as many of its roads were navigated for commercial and cultural purposes all over Africa.  Aside from roads, the emperors also constructed aqueducts, sewers, temples, bathhouses, theatres, stadiums, and many other structures in major towns and cities all over the Empire  Such projects made little impact on their personal lives for the town was considered as a fine example of the prosperity brought by the Romans. It did not bring about much improvement in the lives of the people in Tagaste, especially to the poor. AUGUSTINE 1 LIFE, WORKS, TEACHINGS & SPIRITUALITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO The Family of Augustine PATRICIUS The Father of Augustine Jovial Hot- tempered Sensual man Official of the town Pagan He asked for baptism before he died, as he was inspired by Monica, his everfaithful, understanding, and loving wife. PATRICIUS Patricius, name sounded like he might have come from a rich, patrician family, but this was not the case when he married Monica. If ever Patricius family had some riches and owned a substantial estate, it would have vanished due to the taxes they paid to the Empire. PATRICIUS Augustine corroborates this information when he describes his father as “a fairly obscure town councilor in Tagaste.” He was "a minor landowner with no money to speak of and with few connections." PATRICIUS He belonged to the curial class, that is, the "senate" of landowners in Tagaste who were responsible for the community’s governance, including collective responsibility for civic words. He owned a “few little acres”. PATRICIUS He relied on the friendship and support of Romanianus, a much richer landowner in the same town, to provide financial resources to send Augustine off to university in Carthage. They still belonged to the category of poor family, but not miserable. MONICA The Mother of Augustine Monica was a devoted mother. She never gave up on Augustine. She supported her son both in bad and good times. She truly focuses in the goodness of her son despite the evils that surround the latter. MONICA She exemplifies a loving and lovable mother who is always concern of her son’s welfare. She never quarreled with Patricius, her husband. She was so faithful and obedient to the end. She advises wives to understand their husbands and to remain faithful to them despite the odds, challenges, and difficulties. MONICA She exhorts and encourages wives to keep the love burning—to say hello, love, and forever, and not goodbyes. Monica loved her husband until death do them part. MONICA She too plays a vital role in the conversion of Patricius, a pagan who turned into a Christian prior to his passing away from this world. Her tears of prayer turned Augustine, her son, back to God. Her prayers indeed splendidly affect Augustine and enable him to find God amidst his restlessness. MONICA She suffered a lot both from her husband and her son, yet she never gave up. She is fully convinced that there will be a happy ending despite her sufferings as a wife and as a mother. She was so patient in sorrow. MONICA She fully believed that behind pain and sorrow, there is freedom and happiness. She is so full of hope and is focused on the future. She strongly believes that happiness is greater than the sorrows of this life. MONICA Monica was so happy to die. She was not afraid to face death. She was buried at Ostia to a hidden crypt in the church of Santa Aurea. But her tomb was later transferred to the Basilica of Sant‘Agostino, at Rome. MONICA Monica said to the son, “Lay this body anywhere, and take no trouble over it. One thing only do I ask of you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be” (IX.11). MONICA Monica is devoted to prayer. She prayed every day to souls and often visited the cemetery and offered prayers and food for the dead. Monica’s prayers turned Augustine to God. She always prayed for the conversion of Augustine. MONICA It is through prayer that the soul is moving closer towards God. Prayer is the inner disposition of the soul to anchor oneself to God. So, Monica’s fervent prayers enable Augustine to embrace God’s mercy and compassion. MONICA Monica was a devoted child of Mary. She had plenty of devotions especially to the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary. She would like to emulate the exemplary life of Mary particularly her obedience to and faith in God. THE FAMILY OF AUGUSTINE Augustine’s family was not wealthy, was certainly distinguished and respected. Monica, a devoted Christian, won admiration for her noble character and outstanding virtues. He had a brother named Navigius, and a sister named Perpetua. THE FAMILY OF AUGUSTINE PATRICIUS MONICA NAVIGIUS AUGUSTINE PERPATUA Adeodatus AUGUSTINE 1 LIFE, WORKS, TEACHINGS & SPIRITUALITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO Augustine’s Childhood Experiences as Narrated in Book I of the Confessions CHAPTER 6 Augustine's Earliest Memories: Experience: Augustine recalls being an infant and learning to communicate through crying. CHAPTER 6 Quote: "For I have none which I can recall from the time that I sucked at my mother's breast; and by judging from others, and from what I have myself seen in babes, I believe I have come to conclusions as to how I behaved then." CHAPTER 7 Learning to Speak: Experience: He describes how he learned to speak by imitating adults. CHAPTER 7 Quote: "Little by little I began to be conscious where I was, and to have a wish to make my wants known to those who could satisfy them, but could not; for the wants were within me, and they without; nor could they by any sense of theirs enter within my spirit. So I flung about at random limbs and voice, making the few and feeble signs of my wants that I could." CHAPTER 9 First Introduction to Formal Education: Experience: Augustine discusses his experiences in school, where he was more interested in play than in learning. CHAPTER 9 Quote: "But yet I sinned, O Lord my God,Thou ruler and creator of all natural things, but of sins only the ruler, I sinned, O Lord my God, in transgressing the commands of my parents and of those masters." CHAPTER 10 Distaste for Greek Literature: Experience: Augustine recounts his aversion to learning Greek and his preference for Latin literature. CHAPTER 10 Quote: "I was put to school to get learning of which I knew not what use there was, and yet, if I was slow to learn, I was flogged." CHAPTER 11 Infatuation with Latin Literature: Experience: He expresses his love for Latin literature, especially tales of the Trojan War. Quote: "In this respect, I sinned with the others and allowed myself to be deceived by them and to be led astray by their authority; but I found delight in it and delighted myself in those very vanities." CHAPTER 13 Experiences of Theft and Deceit: Experience: Augustine narrates his petty thefts and deceptions as a child, driven by a sense of mischief and rebellion. Quote: "I stole from my parents' cellar and table, sometimes driven by gluttony, sometimes to get a feast for the ear." CHAPTER 14 Prayers of His Mother, Monica: Experience: He speaks of his mother Monica's prayers and her pious influence on him. Quote: "For she wished to have me trained in good habits, and at once admitted to her the future good I should derive from it." CHAPTER 19 Fear of Punishment and Divine Providence: Experience: Augustine reflects on his childhood fear of punishment and his awareness of God's presence even then. Quote: "Thus I was born into a sinful world, sinning even as I was carried in my mother’s womb, and even there, already lost in my infancy, I offended Thee, my God." These highlights capture Augustine's reflections on his early life, his educational experiences, and the beginnings of his spiritual journey as described in The Confessions.