ASF-3-Lesson-1-The-Quest-For-Happiness PDF

The Quest For Happiness: Augustine’s Personal Journey Lesson 1 Prepared by: Sir Mario Martizano & Sr. Leni Ditua, LMSH  Learning Outcomes By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to: ❑ Identify God as the true and lasting happiness that Augustine discovered after his conversion. ❑...

The Quest For Happiness: Augustine’s Personal Journey Lesson 1 Prepared by: Sir Mario Martizano & Sr. Leni Ditua, LMSH  Learning Outcomes By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to: ❑ Identify God as the true and lasting happiness that Augustine discovered after his conversion. ❑ express their sincere gratitude for the gift of forgiveness. ❑ share about their joy at finding or receiving forgiveness Sharing: ❑What moments in your life can you say you were truly happy? ❑ Can you say whether the happiness was temporary or everlasting? ❑What makes happiness temporary, and on the other hand, what makes it everlasting? Elaborate SHORT INRODUCTION ON CHRISTIAN MORALITY Christian Morality: The system of ethical principles and moral practices that guide the behavior of individuals who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is grounded in the Bible, particularly the New Testament, and is characterized by the following key aspects:  Love and Compassion: Emphasizing love for God and for others as the central tenets, including loving one’s neighbor as oneself and showing compassion and kindness. Following Jesus’ Teachings: Living in accordance with the moral and ethical instructions given by Jesus, such as those found in the Sermon on the Mount and other teachings. Adherence to Biblical Commandments: Observing the Ten Commandments and other moral directives found in both the Old and New Testaments. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Practicing forgiveness towards others and seeking reconciliation, in line with Jesus’ teachings on mercy and forgiveness.  Pursuit of Virtue: Cultivating virtues such as humility, honesty, patience, and integrity, and striving to embody the fruits of the Spirit (e.g., love, joy, peace, kindness). Role of Grace: Understanding that moral living is supported by God’s grace and that salvation and moral strength are ultimately a result of divine assistance. 7. Service and Justice: Acting with a commitment to social justice and serving others, especially the marginalized and oppressed, as an expression of Christian love and duty. Christian morality aims to shape individuals' character and actions to reflect their faith and contribute to the common good in line with Christian teachings. Augustines Journey Towards happiness The influence of Patricius Classic Education is the only means for success The influence of Monica Living a moral life is the only means to attain true happiness  Biblical foundation 1. 2Corinthians 3:16-18 (The spirit of the Lord is the one who change one’s life) Transformation by the spirit, power in weakness, and endurance in suffering. (Gods amazing Grace) 2 Corinthians 3 In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul presents the heart- transforming power of the New Covenant, a ministry not of the letter, but of the Spirit. It teaches us that it is not the observance of law that brings life and righteousness, but the Spirit of the living God. As we turn to the Lord and behold His glory, we experience transformation, growing ever more like Christ in glory. 2. Psalm 32 A penitential psalm attributed to David, celebrating the joy of forgiveness and the relief that comes from confessing one’s sins to God. True happiness according to PS. 32 1. God calls man to happiness 2. Acknowledgement of being sinful 3. Confessing one’s sin 4. Expereince the healing power of confession 5. Joy and forgiveness 6. Transformative nature of Grace  3 moments of Agustine’s conversion A. Restleness and the search for truth (Intellectual conversion) Reading of Hortensius B. Reading of the Holy Scripture (Moral conversion) Role of Scripture Tolle lege expereince C. Baptism and new life (Spiritual Conversion) Role of Saint Ambrose  1. Restleness and the search for truth (Intellectual conversion) the reading of Hortensius Hortensius crucial role in Augustine’s intellectual and spiritual development 1. Stimulated a Search for Truth 2. Shift in Intellectual Focus 3. Introduction to Christian Philosophy 4. Desire for Christian Scriptures 5. Motivation for Further Study 1. Stimulated a Search for Truth ▪Hortensius ignited in Augustine a deep desire for wisdom and truth. ▪The book's philosophical arguments and its portrayal of the pursuit of wisdom as a noble and essential endeavor inspired Augustine to seek a deeper understanding of life and spirituality. 2. Shift in Intellectual Focus ▪ Before reading Hortensius, Augustine had been primarily focused on the rhetoric and philosophical ideas of his time, particularly those of Manichaeism and other schools of thought. ▪ Hortensius redirected his focus toward the study of philosophy in a way that emphasized the search for eternal truths rather than merely practical or rhetorical skills. 3. Introduction to Christian Philosophy ▪Hortensius prepared Augustine to be more receptive to Christian teachings. ▪The philosophical quest for truth opened the idea to Augustine that Christianity could offer the ultimate answers he was seeking. 4. Desire for Christian Scriptures ▪The philosophical curiosity sparked by Hortensius led Augustine to a more earnest exploration of Christian texts and ideas. 5. Motivation for Further Study ▪The influence of Hortensius motivated Augustine to continue his intellectual and spiritual quest, ultimately leading him to embrace Christianity. ▪His encounter with the book Hortensius served as a catalyst for his conversion by showing him the value of a life devoted to the pursuit of higher truths. 2. Reading of the Holy Scripture (Moral conversion) (Tolle lege experience) “The book changed my way of feeling.... For under its influence, my petitions and desires altered” Romans 13:13–14 (Conf. 3.4.7). Reading of the Holy Scripture (Moral conversion) (Tolle lege experience) ▪For the first time in his life, he was troubled enough to seriously cry out to God. ▪ “Oh Lord, he wept, how long will you be angry with me? Why not put an aid to my unclean this very hour?” Reading of the Holy Scripture (Moral conversion) (Tolle lege experience) ▪ As he was praying, he heard the voice of a child from a nearby house. “Tolle lege, take and read” chanted the voice in Latin. The words were often sung by the children’s choir at Ambrose’s liturgy. ▪ Augustine recognized this as the voice of God. “Let us behave decently as in the daytime, not in orgies or drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension/discord and jealousy. Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Rom 13:13-14) The significance of Augustine’s “tolle lege” experience ▪ The “tolle lege” episode narrates a pivotal religious experience of St. Augustine, which provides insight into God’s divine providence. ▪ This event marks the turning point in Augustine's journey from a life of sin to one of faith. As Augustine was grappling with his spiritual turmoil, he heard a childlike voice urging him to "take up and read" a passage from the Bible. This experience is significant because it illustrates several key aspects of Augustine’s spiritual awakening: 1. Divine Illumination: The “tolle lege” moment underscores the idea of divine illumination, where God’s grace guides individuals to spiritual understanding and truth. Augustine’s conversion was not solely the result of his own efforts but was significantly influenced by this direct divine intervention. 2. Role of Scripture: It highlights the importance of Scripture in Augustine’s conversion. The specific passage he read played a crucial role in his realization of the need to change his life, emphasizing the power of the Bible in guiding and transforming individuals. 3. God’s Providence: The episode demonstrates God’s providence and continuous involvement in human affairs. Augustine’s encounter with the divine message at a critical moment in his life suggests that divine guidance is actively present in moments of personal crisis and decision. 4. Personal Transformation: Finally, this experience signifies a moment of personal transformation for Augustine. It marks the transition from his previous way of life to a new direction aligned with Christian teachings. Overall, the “tolle lege” experience is a powerful example of how divine intervention can lead to profound personal and spiritual change. 3. Baptism and New Life (Spiritual Conversion) Augustine's baptism represented the pinnacle of his remarkable journey of https://www.gettyimages.no/detail/news- photo/baptism-of-st-augustine-1875-1878-by-domenico- transformation. bruschi-oil-news-photo/148278020 The crucial role of Bishop Ambrose in Augustine’s conversion to Christianity 1. Intellectual Influence: ▪ Ambrose’s sophisticated exegesis of Scripture and his ability to address complex theological issues helped clarify Augustine’s doubts and questions about Christianity. ▪ His sermons and writings offered Augustine a deeper understanding of Christian doctrine and refuted some of the misconceptions Augustine had previously held. The crucial role of Bishop Ambrose in Augustine’s conversion to Christianity 2. Effective Preaching: ▪ Ambrose’s eloquent and compelling preaching had a profound impact on Augustine. ▪ Unlike the rhetoric-heavy oratory Augustine was accustomed to, Ambrose’s sermons were spiritually enriching and intellectually stimulating. ▪ This engaging approach drew Augustine closer to the Christian faith. The crucial role of Bishop Ambrose in Augustine’s conversion to Christianity 3. Moral and Spiritual Example ▪Ambrose lived a life of moral rectitude and spiritual devotion, embodying the principles of Christianity in his daily life. ▪His personal example of integrity and commitment to Christian values inspired Augustine to reflect on his own life and seek a transformation. The crucial role of Bishop Ambrose in Augustine’s conversion to Christianity 4. Pastoral Care ▪Ambrose’s pastoral care and guidance provided Augustine with the support he needed during a critical period of spiritual searching. His compassionate approach helped Augustine navigate his inner struggles and made the process of conversion less daunting. The crucial role of Bishop Ambrose in Augustine’s conversion to Christianity 5. Dialogue and Mentorship: ▪ Ambrose engaged in thoughtful and supportive dialogue with Augustine, addressing his intellectual and spiritual concerns. This mentorship was instrumental in helping Augustine move from skepticism to faith. The crucial role of Bishop Ambrose in Augustine’s conversion to Christianity 6. Role in Baptism ▪ Finally, Ambrose performed Augustine’s baptism in 387 AD. ▪ This event was a significant milestone in Augustine's spiritual journey and marked his formal entry into the Christian faith. Bishop Ambrose played an indispensable role in guiding Augustine toward Christianity and helping him undergo a profound spiritual transformation.  3 Moments of Augustine’s conversion ❑In Augustine’s baptism, we see the wholesomeness and wholeness that putting on Christ brings to the soul. ❑In baptism, we receive a new life in Christ, a new creation, children of God, heir to God’s kingdom. City of God SUMMARY OF THE CITY OF GOD Author: Saint Augustine of Hippo Written: Between 413 and 426 AD Purpose: To defend Christianity against pagan criticisms and to explore the nature of human society and divine providence City of God was written in the early 5th century, a period marked by significant turmoil and transition for the Roman Empire. The fall of Rome to the Visigoths in 410 AD was a profound shock to the Roman world, leading many to question the stability and future of the empire. Augustine wrote City of God partly in response to accusations that Christianity had weakened the Roman Empire, contributing to its fall. He sought to defend the Christian faith by addressing these criticisms and providing a broader theological perspective Key Themes Dualism of Cities: City of Man: Represents earthly society, characterized by self-love, pride, and a focus on temporal success. City of God: Represents the divine realm, characterized by love of God, humility, and a focus on eternal truths. Divine Providence: Augustine emphasizes that history is guided by divine providence and that even the apparent triumphs of the City of Man are ultimately subordinated to God's eternal plan. Critique of Paganism: He challenges the moral and philosophical deficiencies of pagan religions and philosophies, arguing that they offer no true path to happiness or moral rectitude. Ultimate Happiness: True and lasting happiness is found in the beatific vision of God and eternal life, not in the fleeting pleasures of earthly existence. The Role of Christianity: Augustine defends Christianity as the true path to eternal happiness and moral integrity, contrasting it with the inadequacies of pagan beliefs. Book 19 City of God, An Overview and Historical Context Overview Book 19 of Saint Augustine’s City of God is a significant section that focuses on the nature of true happiness and the ultimate goal of human existence. This book builds upon Augustine's earlier discussions about the two cities—the City of Man and the City of God—and delves into the contrast between temporal and eternal happiness.  Key Themes in Book 19: 1. Eternal Happiness vs. Temporal Pleasures: Augustine argues that true and lasting happiness can only be found in God and the eternal life that He offers. In contrast, the pleasures and successes of earthly life are temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. 2. The Nature of True Happiness: Augustine explores the concept of happiness, distinguishing between the fleeting happiness sought in earthly things and the enduring joy found in the presence of God. He emphasizes that true happiness is not found in material wealth, power, or sensory pleasure but in a relationship with God. 3. The Role of Virtue: Augustine discusses how virtue and moral goodness are related to happiness. He argues that virtue aligns with the divine order and contributes to the attainment of true happiness, while vice leads to moral corruption and discontent. 4. The Final State of the Two Cities: Augustine reflects on the ultimate fate of the City of Man and the City of God. He assures that, despite the apparent success of the earthly city, it will ultimately be surpassed by the eternal city of God, where true happiness will be fully realized. 5. The Vision of God: The culmination of happiness, according to Augustine, is the beatific vision, where the soul experiences the direct presence of God. This vision is presented as the highest and most complete form of happiness, far exceeding any earthly joy Conclusion Augustine's teaching on true happiness centers on the concept that genuine fulfillment and joy are found not in the fleeting pleasures of the material world but in a relationship with God. Conclusion For Augustine, true happiness is a state of eternal contentment that comes from aligning one's will with God's will and seeking the ultimate good, which is God Himself. Conclusion He argues that only through divine grace and a deep, spiritual connection can individuals achieve the lasting peace and satisfaction that their hearts desire.  Conclusion Augustine's perspective on true happiness emphasizes a transformative shift from external pursuits to internal spiritual fulfillment. By redirecting one's focus from transient, earthly pleasures to the eternal and unchanging goodness of God, Augustine suggests that true happiness is attainable and profound.  Conclusion This understanding invites a deeper reflection on the nature of joy and contentment, urging individuals to seek a higher, more enduring source of happiness toward God. Assessment Activity Each group will present their visual representation to the class, explaining the key elements and how they illustrate Augustine’s journey towards conversion leading him to happiness.