Dr. John Vervaeke Ep. 19 - Awakening from the Meaning Crisis - Augustine and Aquinas
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Apr 3, 2023 Explore Augustine's transformative journey in a declining Roman Empire, grappling with personal struggles and metaphysical questions. Delve into the impact of the Great Schism and shifts in Western thought following the Empire's collapse. Discover how reading practices evolved from communal experiences to solitary reflections, reshaping self-understanding. Finally, engage with Aquinas's challenge in harmonizing faith and reason, highlighting his pivotal role in redefining knowledge during a time of crisis.
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Integration of Opposites
- In the past, seemingly opposing concepts like science and spirituality were seen as mutually supportive.
- This interconnectedness fostered a sense of integration and wholeness, unlike the compartmentalized view prevalent today.
Augustine's Stolen Fruit
- As a youth, Augustine stole fruit, not out of desire or peer pressure, but due to a compulsion to do wrong.
- This experience highlighted his inner conflict and contributed to his Manichean worldview of light versus darkness.
Augustine's Mystical Experience and Rebound
- Augustine found Plotinus's Neoplatonic worldview appealing, experiencing a mystical ascent.
- However, his inner darkness, described as a "hole in being," prevented him from maintaining this higher state.