Reading Augustine’s Reading Augustine’s ConfessionsConfessions

HT604: Lecture 1 HT604: Lecture 1

Dr. Ann OrlandoDr. Ann Orlando

OutlineOutline

Why Read Augustine’s Why Read Augustine’s ConfessionsConfessions?? Augustine’s Life and WorksAugustine’s Life and Works Introduction to Introduction to ConfessionsConfessions ScriptureScripture On Teaching Christianity On Teaching Christianity

Importance of Augustine…Importance of Augustine… To Western Theology and Philosophy To Western Theology and Philosophy

Augustine’s Importance Cannot Be OverstatedAugustine’s Importance Cannot Be Overstated For Western Christianity, he is the most For Western Christianity, he is the most

important theologian from this periodimportant theologian from this period Arguably the most important theologian from any Arguably the most important theologian from any

periodperiod Every serious Western theologian after Every serious Western theologian after

Augustine must in some way ‘deal’ with Augustine must in some way ‘deal’ with AugustineAugustine

Example: Far more references to Augustine in Example: Far more references to Augustine in CCC (87) than anyone elseCCC (87) than anyone else

Critical and Defining Issues for Critical and Defining Issues for AugustineAugustine

TheodicyTheodicy EpistemologyEpistemology SacramentsSacraments Theology of TrinityTheology of Trinity EcclesiologyEcclesiology JustificationJustification Primacy of lovePrimacy of love

ExamplesExamples Augustine was the standard for doctrinal truth and theological method throughout the Augustine was the standard for doctrinal truth and theological method throughout the

Middle Ages and ReformationMiddle Ages and Reformation Aquinas (13Aquinas (13thth C) runs into trouble because C) runs into trouble because

He seems to abandon Augustine’s theological method (Neoplatonism) for AristotelianismHe seems to abandon Augustine’s theological method (Neoplatonism) for Aristotelianism But also because of primacy of intellect over willBut also because of primacy of intellect over will Open any page of ST and see number of references to AugustineOpen any page of ST and see number of references to Augustine

Renaissance begins when Petrarch reads Renaissance begins when Petrarch reads ConfessionsConfessions Luther and Calvin claim Augustine for themselves in opposition to ScholasticismLuther and Calvin claim Augustine for themselves in opposition to Scholasticism Galileo tries to defend himself using Augustine (especially the Galileo tries to defend himself using Augustine (especially the Confessions)Confessions) Early Modernity rejects Augustine’s definition of man as part of societyEarly Modernity rejects Augustine’s definition of man as part of society

HobbesHobbes LockeLocke

Enlightenment rejection of Christianity is specifically a rejection of AugustineEnlightenment rejection of Christianity is specifically a rejection of Augustine RousseauRousseau VoltaireVoltaire DiderotDiderot

Existentialists of 20Existentialists of 20thth C continue campaign specifically against Augustine; C continue campaign specifically against Augustine; Albert Camus Albert Camus The PlagueThe Plague Charles Freeman, Charles Freeman, The Closing of the Western MindThe Closing of the Western Mind

Recent new translations of and ‘popular’ interest in Augustine: New City Press; J.J. Recent new translations of and ‘popular’ interest in Augustine: New City Press; J.J. O’Donnell, Garry WillsO’Donnell, Garry Wills

Pope Benedict XVI has defined himself, and is often referred to as, an Augustinian Pope Benedict XVI has defined himself, and is often referred to as, an Augustinian theologiantheologian

Why Read Why Read ConfessionsConfessions

Because… Because… Augustine is importantAugustine is important One of the most read books in Western literatureOne of the most read books in Western literature Presents many important points in theologyPresents many important points in theology

Really because Augustine the Bishop and fellow Really because Augustine the Bishop and fellow pilgrim toward the Kingdom of Heaven wants us pilgrim toward the Kingdom of Heaven wants us to learn from his spiritual journeyto learn from his spiritual journey Greatest theological reflection essay ever writtenGreatest theological reflection essay ever written This is NOT a diary or an autobiographyThis is NOT a diary or an autobiography

Brief Biographical SketchBrief Biographical Sketch Born near Carthage in 354 to a devoutly Catholic mother Born near Carthage in 354 to a devoutly Catholic mother

(St. Monica) and worldly father (Patrick)(St. Monica) and worldly father (Patrick) In youth leads a life of pleasure searching for happinessIn youth leads a life of pleasure searching for happiness

Flirts with ManichaeismFlirts with Manichaeism Becomes enamored with Platonism (Plotinus)Becomes enamored with Platonism (Plotinus)

Conversion to Catholic ChristianityConversion to Catholic Christianity Ordained priest 391, bishop of Hippo 395Ordained priest 391, bishop of Hippo 395 Died on 28 August 430Died on 28 August 430 Peter Brown’s book Peter Brown’s book Augustine of Hippo Augustine of Hippo remains the most remains the most

important biography of Augustine in Englishimportant biography of Augustine in English Be sure to get the New Edition with EpilogueBe sure to get the New Edition with Epilogue Discusses discovery of 12 previously unstudied letters and Discusses discovery of 12 previously unstudied letters and

sermons of Augustine (396-404)sermons of Augustine (396-404)

What did Augustine Look Like?What did Augustine Look Like? Augustine being baptized by Augustine being baptized by

Benozzo Gozzoli http://www.wf-Benozzo Gozzoli http://www.wf-f.org/StAugustine.htmlf.org/StAugustine.html

Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Museum of Art http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hhttp://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ho/05/afe/ho_18.9.2.htmo/05/afe/ho_18.9.2.htm

Augustine’s WorksAugustine’s Works Augustine’s friend and biographer, Possidius, catalogued Augustine’s friend and biographer, Possidius, catalogued

Augustine's works after his death and observed that no one Augustine's works after his death and observed that no one would be able to read them allwould be able to read them all

Among the vitally important worksAmong the vitally important works Against the AcademicsAgainst the Academics On Free WillOn Free Will ConfessionsConfessions On the TrinityOn the Trinity City of GodCity of God On Christian TeachingOn Christian Teaching Retractions concerningRetractions concerning On Free Will On Free Will

Nearly innumerable letters, treatises, homilies, commentariesNearly innumerable letters, treatises, homilies, commentaries Commentary, expositions, sermons on PsalmsCommentary, expositions, sermons on Psalms

Historical BackgroundHistorical Background

Late Antiquity and the Roman EmpireLate Antiquity and the Roman Empire Political situationPolitical situation Philosophical schoolsPhilosophical schools

Status of Catholic ChurchStatus of Catholic Church Most potent heresy of 4Most potent heresy of 4thth Century: Arianism Century: Arianism Books of the BibleBooks of the Bible

Map of Roman EmpireMap of Roman Empirewww.fsmitha.com/h1/map18rm.htmwww.fsmitha.com/h1/map18rm.htm

Social Situation Social Situation Fourth CenturyFourth Century

One of THE most important events in history happens in One of THE most important events in history happens in 44thth Century: conversion of Roman Empire to Christianity Century: conversion of Roman Empire to Christianity

At the beginning of the Fourth Century, worst At the beginning of the Fourth Century, worst persecution of Christians (Emperor Diocletian)persecution of Christians (Emperor Diocletian)

Constantine the Great attributes his victory at the Milvian Constantine the Great attributes his victory at the Milvian Bridge (312) in Rome to ChristianityBridge (312) in Rome to Christianity

After Constantine, large numbers of people become ChristiansAfter Constantine, large numbers of people become Christians By the end of the century, Christianity declared official By the end of the century, Christianity declared official

religion of Roman Empire by Theodosius the Great (381)religion of Roman Empire by Theodosius the Great (381)

Political and Military SituationPolitical and Military Situation At beginning of 4At beginning of 4thth Century, Empire united under Century, Empire united under

Diocletian and ConstantineDiocletian and Constantine Throughout 4Throughout 4thth Century civil wars among Constantine’s Century civil wars among Constantine’s

sons and successorssons and successors Theodosius the Great reunites the EmpireTheodosius the Great reunites the Empire

Last Emperor of ‘entire’ Roman EmpireLast Emperor of ‘entire’ Roman Empire Barbarian invasions begin in West late 4Barbarian invasions begin in West late 4thth C, key C, key

moment is sack of Rome in 410moment is sack of Rome in 410 Empire become divided East (capitol, Constantinople) Empire become divided East (capitol, Constantinople)

and West (capitol, Rome)and West (capitol, Rome) Western Roman Empire ceases to exist 476Western Roman Empire ceases to exist 476 Eastern Roman Empire ceased to exist 1453Eastern Roman Empire ceased to exist 1453

Status of Catholic ChurchStatus of Catholic Church In this period, no distinction between Catholic (West) and Orthodox In this period, no distinction between Catholic (West) and Orthodox

(East)(East) Becomes ‘politically expedient’ to join ChurchBecomes ‘politically expedient’ to join Church Most potent Christian heresy: ArianismMost potent Christian heresy: Arianism

Belief that Christ was made by Father; not divine as Father is divineBelief that Christ was made by Father; not divine as Father is divine Council of Nicea (325) called to combat Arianism; CreedCouncil of Nicea (325) called to combat Arianism; Creed By end of 4By end of 4thth Century Arianism no longer a threat within Roman Empire Century Arianism no longer a threat within Roman Empire

Another dangerous heresy: DonatismAnother dangerous heresy: Donatism Prevalent in 4Prevalent in 4thth Century North Africa Century North Africa Believed in strict Christian disciplineBelieved in strict Christian discipline Efficacy of sacraments depended on holiness of ministerEfficacy of sacraments depended on holiness of minister Augustine was main foe of DonatistsAugustine was main foe of Donatists

BibleBible Prior to 4Prior to 4thth Century, many different views within Century, many different views within

Christianity about what is sacred scriptureChristianity about what is sacred scripture Old Testament in or out? Some wanted to reject Old Old Testament in or out? Some wanted to reject Old

Testament completelyTestament completely God seems angry, vengeful, anthropomorphicGod seems angry, vengeful, anthropomorphic Notion develops that creator god is evil and opposed to spiritual Notion develops that creator god is evil and opposed to spiritual

good godgood god Which books of New Testament? Some want to Which books of New Testament? Some want to

severely restrict books, some want to include other severely restrict books, some want to include other booksbooks

How to interpret the Bible, especially the Old Testament How to interpret the Bible, especially the Old Testament (more on this next week)(more on this next week)

LiterallyLiterally AllegoricallyAllegorically

On Christian TeachingOn Christian Teaching Written at the same time (c. 396) Augustine Written at the same time (c. 396) Augustine

wrote the wrote the ConfessionsConfessions Addressed to clergy on how to teach ChristianityAddressed to clergy on how to teach Christianity Primacy of Scripture, Primacy of Scripture,

How to understand itHow to understand it How to preach itHow to preach it

Principles given by Augustine are applied in his Principles given by Augustine are applied in his ConfessionsConfessions

To enter into spirituality of Confessions, must To enter into spirituality of Confessions, must enter into how Augustine came to understand enter into how Augustine came to understand ScriptureScripture

Introduction to Introduction to ConfessionsConfessions Written shortly after Augustine was named Written shortly after Augustine was named

bishop of Hippo (395-400)bishop of Hippo (395-400) Written at the request of his friend Paulinus of Written at the request of his friend Paulinus of

Nola; 11 years after his baptismNola; 11 years after his baptism It is Augustine the bishop reflecting in middle age on It is Augustine the bishop reflecting in middle age on

events in his youth; events in his youth; It is not telling the story of his youth; it is a reflectionIt is not telling the story of his youth; it is a reflection

The 13 Books are Augustine's divisionsThe 13 Books are Augustine's divisions ConfessionsConfessions (as most books in antiquity) (as most books in antiquity) was was

serializedserialized Each of 13 Books was an installment Each of 13 Books was an installment

Became an instant best sellerBecame an instant best seller

Confessions Confessions as Prayeras Prayer

ConfessioConfessio: both ‘accusation of oneself and : both ‘accusation of oneself and praise for God’ praise for God’ Sermon 67.2Sermon 67.2

It is first and foremost a prayer, not an It is first and foremost a prayer, not an autobiography; autobiography; The work is addressed to GodThe work is addressed to God

There should be an AMEN at end of Book There should be an AMEN at end of Book XIIIXIII

Which Translation Should You Which Translation Should You Read?Read?

Henry Chadwick, Oxford University Press, Henry Chadwick, Oxford University Press, 19911991

Mary Boulding, New City Press, 1997Mary Boulding, New City Press, 1997 But please do not use translation available But please do not use translation available

on the Web. It is very turgid, plotting on the Web. It is very turgid, plotting Victorian English.Victorian English.

StructureStructure

Division of 13 Books is Augustine’s Division of 13 Books is Augustine’s divisiondivision

Usually considered in two parts:Usually considered in two parts: Augustine’s past (I-IX)Augustine’s past (I-IX) Augustine's present (X-XIII)Augustine's present (X-XIII)

NB: The last 4 books (Part 2) are an NB: The last 4 books (Part 2) are an integral part of the wholeintegral part of the whole

Later editors in 16Later editors in 16thth and 17 and 17thth centuries centuries added chapter and paragraph numbersadded chapter and paragraph numbers

Structure of Part 1Structure of Part 1

Can be viewed as a chiasmCan be viewed as a chiasm Book I: From God; birth and relationship of infant with motherBook I: From God; birth and relationship of infant with mother

Book II: Bondage of FleshBook II: Bondage of Flesh

• Book III: Slavery of eyes and mind; problem of evilBook III: Slavery of eyes and mind; problem of evil Book IV Ambition of WorldBook IV Ambition of World

• Book V Encounter with Faustus, Manichaeism, Book V Encounter with Faustus, Manichaeism, philosophy; moving from Carthage to Romephilosophy; moving from Carthage to Rome

Book VI: Recognition of emptiness of world’s ambitionBook VI: Recognition of emptiness of world’s ambition

• Book VII: Freedom of mind; resolution of problem of evilBook VII: Freedom of mind; resolution of problem of evil Book VIII: Liberation from bondage of fleshBook VIII: Liberation from bondage of flesh

Book IX: Relation to Monica, her death, return to GodBook IX: Relation to Monica, her death, return to God

Structure of Part 2Structure of Part 2 Book X: Augustine the Bishop at the end of his reflection on his Book X: Augustine the Bishop at the end of his reflection on his

youth, meditates on youth, meditates on Memory and knowledgeMemory and knowledge SinSin

Book XI: Augustine the Bishop meditates onBook XI: Augustine the Bishop meditates on ““In the beginning”In the beginning” What is TimeWhat is Time

Book XII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on Book XII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on ““God created the heavens and the earth”God created the heavens and the earth” How to interpret Scripture and authorial intentHow to interpret Scripture and authorial intent

Book XIII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on Book XIII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on TrinityTrinity ChurchChurch

NB: Augustine uses the word ‘confessions’ more often in these last NB: Augustine uses the word ‘confessions’ more often in these last four than the previous nine booksfour than the previous nine books

Structure of Part 2Structure of Part 2 Book X: Augustine the Bishop at the end of his reflection on his Book X: Augustine the Bishop at the end of his reflection on his

youth, meditates on youth, meditates on Memory and knowledgeMemory and knowledge SinSin

Book XI: Augustine the Bishop meditates onBook XI: Augustine the Bishop meditates on ““In the beginning”In the beginning” What is TimeWhat is Time

Book XII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on Book XII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on ““God created the heavens and the earth”God created the heavens and the earth” How to interpret Scripture and authorial intentHow to interpret Scripture and authorial intent

Book XIII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on Book XIII: Augustine the Bishop meditates on TrinityTrinity ChurchChurch

NB: Augustine uses the word ‘confessions’ more often in these last NB: Augustine uses the word ‘confessions’ more often in these last four than the previous nine booksfour than the previous nine books

Our Plan for Reading Our Plan for Reading ConfessionsConfessions

Lecture 1: IntroductionLecture 1: Introduction Lecture 2: Books I and IILecture 2: Books I and II Lecture 3: Books III and IVLecture 3: Books III and IV Lecture 4: Books V and VI Lecture 4: Books V and VI Lecture 5: Books VII and VIIILecture 5: Books VII and VIII Lecture 6: Book IXLecture 6: Book IX Lecture 7: Book X Lecture 7: Book X Lecture 8: Book XI and XIILecture 8: Book XI and XII Lecture 9: Book XIIILecture 9: Book XIII Week 10: Pelagianism and ConclusionsWeek 10: Pelagianism and Conclusions

Three Part LecturesThree Part Lectures Historical and philosophical background on each BookHistorical and philosophical background on each Book

Historical and social contextHistorical and social context Intellectual movementsIntellectual movements PeoplePeople

Key aspects of the Book itselfKey aspects of the Book itself Truth about human natureTruth about human nature

• EpistemologyEpistemology• LanguageLanguage• Evil and sinEvil and sin• Love and HappinessLove and Happiness

Truth about CreationTruth about Creation Truth about GodTruth about God Connections between Book understudy and other BooksConnections between Book understudy and other Books Scripture Scripture

Influence of Influence of ConfessionsConfessions Impact in later intellectual historyImpact in later intellectual history How does this theological reflection touch usHow does this theological reflection touch us

Another Perspective: Another Perspective: What Augustine Is ReadingWhat Augustine Is Reading

Book I: School books on Greek grammar, Virgil Book I: School books on Greek grammar, Virgil AeneidAeneid Book II: Sallust, Book II: Sallust, CatilineCatiline Book III: Cicero, Book III: Cicero, Hortensius, Hortensius, and Old Testamentand Old Testament Book IV: Manichean texts, AristotleBook IV: Manichean texts, Aristotle Book V: Compares Manichean texts with astronomy; reads Book V: Compares Manichean texts with astronomy; reads

Academics; Ambrose explains Old TestamentAcademics; Ambrose explains Old Testament Book VI: Ambrose continues to explain Old Testament; Book VI: Ambrose continues to explain Old Testament; Book VII: Platonists and PaulBook VII: Platonists and Paul Book VIII: Athanasius, Book VIII: Athanasius, Life of Antony Life of Antony and Pauland Paul Book IX: IsaiahBook IX: Isaiah Book X: Reading himself (memory)Book X: Reading himself (memory) Book XI, XII, XIII: Interpreting GenesisBook XI, XII, XIII: Interpreting Genesis But all now understood through Scripture, as a theological But all now understood through Scripture, as a theological

reflection reflection

What Augustine Is WritingWhat Augustine Is WritingOn Christian TeachingOn Christian Teaching

Written about the same time he wrote the Written about the same time he wrote the ConfessionsConfessions Purpose is to describe how to interpret Scripture to arrive Purpose is to describe how to interpret Scripture to arrive

at truth then to preach itat truth then to preach it Prolog: Addressed to opponentsProlog: Addressed to opponents Book I: Advancing in love of God and neighbor is acid Book I: Advancing in love of God and neighbor is acid

test for understanding Scripture: test for understanding Scripture: So anyone who thinks he has understood the divine scriptures or So anyone who thinks he has understood the divine scriptures or

any part of them, but cannot by his understanding buildup this any part of them, but cannot by his understanding buildup this double love of God and neighbor, has not yet succeeded in double love of God and neighbor, has not yet succeeded in understanding them. (I.xxvi.40.86)understanding them. (I.xxvi.40.86)

Book II: Reading Scripture, Language, Spiritual ProgressBook II: Reading Scripture, Language, Spiritual Progress Book III: Detailed Rules for analyzing ScriptureBook III: Detailed Rules for analyzing Scripture Book IV: How to Preach; written 10 years after Books I, Book IV: How to Preach; written 10 years after Books I,

II, IIIII, III

AssignmentAssignment Read carefully Read carefully On Christian Teaching On Christian Teaching

Prolog Prolog Book IBook I

Peter Brown, Peter Brown, Augustine of Hippo,Augustine of Hippo, IntroductionIntroduction 1. Africa1. Africa

Discussion: focus on PRIMARY source readings (in this case Discussion: focus on PRIMARY source readings (in this case On On Christian Teaching), Christian Teaching), NOT secondary source (Brown)NOT secondary source (Brown)

Start one discussion thread by Friday, May 28Start one discussion thread by Friday, May 28 Respond to two threads by Sunday, May 30 (optional this week only)Respond to two threads by Sunday, May 30 (optional this week only)

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS give Book, Chapter, paragraph as ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS give Book, Chapter, paragraph as reference for primary texts; NOT page numbers. reference for primary texts; NOT page numbers.

Think about how you reference the Bible Think about how you reference the Bible

Two Web ResourcesTwo Web Resources

Three Volume Commentary (Latin text, Three Volume Commentary (Latin text, English descriptions) on English descriptions) on Confessions Confessions by by JJ O’Donnell, JJ O’Donnell, http://www.stoa.org/hippo/http://www.stoa.org/hippo/

Online Cliff Notes, Online Cliff Notes, http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitNote/St-http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitNote/St-Augustine-s-Confessions.id-166,pageNum-1.htmlAugustine-s-Confessions.id-166,pageNum-1.html