Augustine's Significance for Theorists on War, Justice, and Peace | Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.
Nov 15, 2024
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Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., a professor at the Dominican House of Studies and an expert on patristics, dives deep into St. Augustine's profound impact on concepts of war, justice, and peace. He unpacks Augustine's transformation from Manichaean to influential bishop, highlighting a pivotal conversion moment. The discussion emphasizes Augustine's beliefs on peace, the moral necessity of just causes in war, and critiques modern interpretations of his doctrines. His insights reveal Augustine's legacy as a cornerstone of moral theology in contemporary discourse.
St. Augustine's extensive writings significantly influenced contemporary Christian thought on the moral dimensions of war, justice, and the pursuit of peace.
He defined peace as 'the tranquility of order,' advocating for dialogue to resolve conflicts and viewing warfare as a last resort.
Deep dives
The Importance of St. Augustine
St. Augustine, a key figure in Christian thought, significantly shaped the discourse on war, justice, and peace. His extensive writings, comprising around five million words, are crucial in understanding the principles of Christian beliefs regarding these topics. Born in 354 AD to a pagan father and a Christian mother, Augustine's diverse life experiences, including his time as a Manichean and his eventual conversion to Christianity, enriched his theological insights. His foundational works continue to influence contemporary discussions on moral and ethical considerations surrounding warfare.
Augustine's Views on Peace
Despite being acknowledged as a theologian of war, St. Augustine emphasized the importance of peace in his writings. He defined peace as 'the tranquility of order' and believed that understanding this concept is essential to discussing the justness of war. Augustine argued that all that is good, including peace, stems from God and that true peace represents the well-ordered state of existence. He suggested that knowledge of positive order is necessary to understand and address instances of disorder and evil.
War through Augustine's Lens
Augustine's perspective on war reveals a commitment to achieving peace, underscoring that warfare should only occur when necessary to restore order. He stated that it is more honorable to 'slay war with words rather than to kill human beings with the sword', advocating for resolution through dialogue whenever possible. Through his letters, such as those written to officials like Darius and General Boniface, Augustine articulated that combatants should maintain an intention of peace even in wartime. His view emphasizes that warfare should be a last resort, driven by the necessity to protect and restore peace rather than a desire for conquest.
Influence on Later Theorists
Augustine's thoughts laid the groundwork for later philosophers and theologians, most notably St. Thomas Aquinas, who built upon Augustine's principles in his examinations of just war. Aquinas integrated Augustine's insights into his own theological frameworks, affirming that just wars are those waged for rectifying wrongs and restoring order. The ongoing interpretation of Augustine's writings highlights the complexities in reconciling his ideas within various historical and social contexts, as noted by theologians like Robert Marcus. Each generation seeks to critically engage with Augustine's concepts while also ensuring that the authenticity of his original doctrine is maintained.
Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P., (Ph.D. Notre Dame) is professor of patristics and ancient languages at the Pontifical Faculty of the Dominican House of Studies where he serves as the director of the doctoral program. He authored Christ in the Life and Teaching of Gregory of Nazianzus (Oxford University Press, 2013) and The Power of Patristic Preaching: The Word in Our Flesh (Catholic University of America, 2023). He co-authored A Living Sacrifice: Guidance for Men Discerning Religious Life (Vianney Vocations, 2019). Editor-in-chief of the academic journal The Thomist, Hofer is editor or co-editor of several volumes including The Oxford Handbook of Deification, The Cambridge Companion to Augustine's Sermons, and Thomas Aquinas and the Greek Fathers. He enjoys speaking with students about their theological and spiritual questions.
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