Episode 108: Anselm of Canterbury with Sandra Visser

Anselm's "On the Fall of the Devil" is a significant work in medieval theology that delves into the nature of Satan's fall from grace. The treatise explores the philosophical and theological implications of Satan's rebellion against God, examining the concepts of free will, divine justice, and the origin of evil. Anselm's work provides a systematic analysis of the fall, drawing upon scriptural interpretations and philosophical reasoning to offer a coherent understanding of this pivotal event in Christian theology. The treatise's influence on subsequent theological discussions about the nature of evil and the relationship between God and creation is undeniable. Anselm's profound insights continue to challenge and inform contemporary theological reflection.

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.