Historical Theology : Augustine

Historical Theology is a big topic and I understand it may not be everyone’s passion. However, knowing the history of Christian Theologians can help us see that we’re not alone in some of our questions or struggles. God was faithful to reveal himself then and He is faithful now, too. Sifting through the years of theology we can not only use reason to confirm what we already believe by faith, but we can see the hand of God. God’s faithfulness showing up and revealing himself to each generation. Including Our own (and our kids) generations! God is a God of generations! 

Background

Augustine of Hippo had what most call a “tortuous path to faith.” Born in Tagaste, North Africa to a Father that was a Roman official, meaning he followed pagan rituals of the time and a mother Monica was a “fervent Christian.” It is said Monica spent many hours praying for her son. She is now the Saint of Mothers & Wives within the Catholic tradition.

Augustine was particularly gifted in the area of rhetoric and when he first began his studies, he would brag (real or imagined) of his sexual adventures. Which, eventually led to one of his concubines bearing him a child. A boy he named Adeodatus, meaning “Given by a god”

As Augustine pursued his studies, he came across the reading of a philosopher, Cicero. Augustine decided that it wasn’t enough to just read and write well (as in rhetoric). One must seek truth. The highest truth. 

Path to Faith

Augustine was first attracted to the practice of Manichaeism. This faith, is best described as one having a “lightness” and a “darkness” within. Humanity is essentially the combination of the two and salvation is thus then the separation, of the light and dark within. This teaching was based on astronomical observations. 

Issues with Christianity

Recalling Augusine’s Mother as a devout Catholic we can know Augustine was well aware of the Bible. He certainly had his issues with it. Augustine found the bible to be a “series of inelegant writings” he also found many of the scenes to be crude or violent. Additionally, he struggled with the origin of evil. If there was a God how was there so much evil? It was through his struggles he searched for answers which would be some of his greatest contributions to the faith.

Augustine spent nine years as a devoted Maniche, but he had doubts here too. He often voiced these doubts yet they were never met with satisfactory answers. Through much study, discipline and his intense pursuit of Truth above all, he turned to the readings of the Neoplatonists. 

It was through the study of Neoplatonism that Augustine discovered an answer to his nagging question of the origin of evil. Mainly, that evil wasn’t a “thing” but rather it was movement away from something good. One thing good. Away from God. 

As Augustine continued to study, he was more and more convinced of Christianity as the one true faith. However, he still struggled with the Bible. For if he were to fully commit he could not be a “lukewarm” Christian, that wasn’t the way Augustine did things but it was also rebuked by Jesus. In order to fully commit himself to Christ, Augustine would have to give up his sinful vices. His prayer was; “give me chastity and continence, but not too soon.” He really loved his sin (ever been there?!)

Augustine’s Turning Point

“Take up and read. Take up and read.” These words were probably from a child playing but Augustine heard them while in a garden in Milan. These words, which is debated whether or not they were a real girl or an angel, pierced Augustine’s heart. He had set down a manuscript in the garden and when he picked it up as the child instructed he read the words of Paul. Romans 13:13-14 which was the final authority on his convictions. After years of torment he read those words and made the decision to fully committed to Jesus as Lord.

Contributions To The Christian Faith

Augustine made incredible contributions to the Christian faith. Contributions we still hold onto and learn from today. You may not even know how much your faith has been influenced by the teachings and writings of Saint Augustine of Hippo. 

Free Will

He became the champion on the discussion of freedom of will. According to Augustine, we are not moved by something inside nor outside of us but rather by a necessity, by our own will. It doesn’t mean circumstances don’t influence decisions, it simply means that only that which we decide out of our own will, and not out of circumstance or out an inner necessity, is properly called “free”. 

For the theologian in particular this discussion of free will is of great importance in the faith. For more on Biblical Free Will with varying perspectives on it, check out the link below. If you’re a Theology lover like myself it’s interesting to ponder such thoughts. Pastors and theologians preach messages based out of their interpretations of free will. It determines the direction and way in which salvation, sin and actions are viewed. While this might feel “big” (because it is) I want to give resources for those that want them! I love the breakdown on the topic and sort of an “introduction” by Pastor & Apologist Mike Winger.

Mike Winger : FREE WILL , What does God Know

Just War Theory

Augustine also developed the Just War Theory. His conclusive thoughts were that the purpose of war must be just, but that in order for it to be so, certain conditions must first be fulfilled. It was the first time that anyone wrote out such positions on war from a theological perspective in this way. You can read more about Augustine’s Just War Theory Here. 

The City Of God

The greatest legacy and contribution from Saint Augustine of Hippo is his book; The City of God. It is what some consider the greatest piece of philosophy ever written. To this day it is used throughout schools and seminaries to teach about Theology, the study of God. It has influenced generations for the Kingdom of Christ.

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This is of course, a very short summary on Augustine, but it is not up for debate that Augustine has been the most influential theologian in all of Western Theology. Whether you know it or not, the messages you hear, the truths of what you hold near and dear were most likely influenced at some point, by this one man. Knowing more about his perspective and life should help to confirm to you what you already know by faith. Helping you grasp a more deep and wide perspective of the theology you hold.

May this help you love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and with all your strength. 

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