Showing results for "saint augustine" in Philosophy

Written after the capture of Rome in 410 by Alaric, King of the Visigoths, St Augustine's City of God was intended as a response to pagan critics who blamed Christianity for this brutal defeat. Augustine attacks ancient pagan beliefs and relates the corruption and immorality that led to Rome's downfall, which began before Christ, before reaching his main argument: that the City of Man is perishing and only the Heavenly City of God will endure.

In the wake of the devastating sack of Rome by the Goths under King Alaric, those who worshipped false gods began to blame the Christian faith for this calamity, launching a fierce wave of blasphemy against the true God. This sparked Augustines fervor to defend the City of God from the slanders and distortions of its adversaries. Over many years, he meticulously crafted this monumental work, comprising twenty-two books. The first five respond to those who claim that the prosperity of Rome was tied to its polytheistic traditions, while the next five address those who acknowledge the ...

In On Grace and Free Will, Augustine delves into the profound debate surrounding the interplay of divine grace and human freedom. He addresses those who assert that affirming Gods grace undermines the liberty of the will, countering their claims that grace is merely a reward for personal merit. Written for the monks of Adrumetum, where this controversy first ignited, Augustines work invites readers to explore the delicate balance between grace and free will, beginning with a compelling examination of those who advocate for human autonomy.

In On Lying, I explore the complex nature of deception and the vital importance of truthfulness. While the ideas presented may initially seem challenging, they offer profound insights that sharpen the mind and enrich moral understanding. This work, which I contemplated leaving unpublished due to its intricate nature, ultimately aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for honesty in our speech and interactions. - Summary by Augustine

In On the Spirit and the Letter, St. Augustine responds to Tribune Marcellinus, who expressed surprise at the claim that man could live sinlessly with divine assistance. Marcellinus questioned how something could be deemed possible if there are no examples to prove it. Augustine passionately defends the concept of grace, illustrating that while the law is good and holy, it alone cannot save us; it often amplifies our guilt when we know our duties but lack the ability to fulfill them. He emphasizes the necessity of the Spirit’s support, which fills our hearts with grace, enabling us to love ...

In his work Retractions, St. Augustine reflects on the significance of virginity, stating, After I had written on the Good of Marriage, it was anticipated that I would address the topic of Holy Virginity. I did not hesitate to explore this divine gift—its immense value and the humility required to uphold it—in a single volume. This book begins, and delves into the profound insights he offers.

In this insightful treatise, we delve into the historical context of the heresy of Jovinian, a monk who challenged established views on marriage and virginity in the early Church. Augustine addresses these controversies head-on, emphasizing the value of marriage while acknowledging the esteemed status of virginity. Written around A.D. 401, this work outlines the essential elements of marriage faithfulness, offspring, and the sacred nature of the union. Augustine’s reflections serve as a guide, balancing the beauty and responsibilities of marriage against the backdrop of early Christian ...

A story of spiritual awakening, St. Augustine's Confessions is a fascinating look at the life of an eminent Christian thinker. Widely seen as one of the first Western autobiographies ever written, it chronicles the life and religious struggles of Augustine of Hippo, from his days as a self-confessed sinner to his acceptance of Christianity as an older adult.

St. Augustine of Hippo (354 - 430) is unquestionably one of the most influential figures in Western civilization. This audio course will bring you to the heart of St. Augustine’s works, revealing how his words speak to us across the centuries. According to his rival and contemporary St. Jerome, Augustine “established anew the ancient faith”.

Written between A.D. 413 and 426, The City of God is one of the great cornerstones in the history of Christian thought, a book which is vital to the understanding of modern Western society. Augustine originally intended it to be an apology for Christianity against the accusation that the Church was responsible for the decline of the Roman Empire, which had occurred just three years earlier. Indeed, Augustine produced a great amount of evidence to prove that paganism was responsible for this event. However, by the time the work was finished, the book had taken on a larger theme.

In Love and Saint Augustine, political science professor Joanna Vecchiarelli Scott and philosophy professor Judith Chelius Stark make this important early work accessible for the first time. Here is a completely corrected and revised English translation that incorporates Arendt's own substantial revisions and provides additional notes based on letters, contracts, and other documents as well as the recollections of Arendt's friends and colleagues.

San Agustín de Hipona (354-430) es uno de los representantes más reconocidos en la historia de la teología. Estudió filosofía y se adhirió a la fe cristiana después de pasar por varias escuelas de pensamiento. Su autobiografía espiritual y reflexiones filosóficas se reúnen en el libro Las Confesiones de San Agustín, el cual relata desde sus primeras peregrinaciones hasta su conversión al cristianismo. Para el autor de estas bellas páginas, el origen del bien y el mal en el hombre se encuentra en su conciencia, y solo al ingresar en ella podrá alcanzar la realidad suprema de la verdad.

Considered to be the first autobiographical work in history, this timeless book is completely applicable to everyone who has experienced the struggle between good and evil in his own soul. Saint Augustine, born in Constantine in 354 C.E., was raised by a devout Christian mother. He abandoned the Christianity of his upbringing and had an illegitimate son. After hearing the sermons of Ambrose, he began his great internal struggle which led to his conversion in 387 C.E. The Confessions describe his conversion, shedding light on the questions that had troubled him on his way to the Cross. Outside Scripture it is the most famous - and perhaps the most important - of all spiritual books.

Augustine was arguably the greatest early Christian philosopher. His teachings had a profound effect on medieval scholarship, Renaissance humanism, and the religious controversies of both the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation. Here, Henry Chadwick places Augustine in his philosophical and religious context and traces the history of his influence on Western thought, both within and beyond the Christian tradition.

The Confessions of St. Augustine is one of the most moving diaries ever recorded of a man's journey to the fountain of God's grace. Writing as a sinner, not a saint, Augustine shares his innermost thoughts and conversion experiences, and wrestles with the spiritual questions that have stirred the hearts of the thoughtful since time began.

Step into the fascinating journey of Saint Augustine, a youthful rhetorician and student whose life spanned from the bustling streets of Thagaste to Carthage, Milan, and Rome. This captivating narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a crumbling Empire, where Augustine, deeply loyal to Rome, grappled with the tumult of his time. Experience the rich drama of his life—a tale of passionate pursuits leading to profound penitence, where the battle between body and spirit rages on. Augustines journey is not just his own but a mirror reflecting the eternal struggle of the human soul. Witness ...