Dr. Phillip Cary - Augustine's Invention of the Inner-Self: The Legacy of a Christian Platonist
Oct 12, 2022
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In this discussion, Dr. Phillip Cary, a philosophy professor at Eastern University and author with a focus on Augustine, dives into the profound legacy of St. Augustine's ideas. He unveils how Augustine’s philosophy emphasizes the inner self and the quest for true beauty found within us rather than in external objects. Cary contrasts Augustine's thoughts on love, unity, and grace with those of Aquinas, providing fresh insights into Christian Platonism. Listen for a fascinating exploration of self-knowledge and the divine that reshapes our understanding of faith.
Dr. Phillip Cary emphasizes Augustine's revolutionary idea of the inner self, prioritizing an inward relationship with God over external beauty.
Carey critiques Christian Platonism, arguing that genuine spirituality should focus on the relational dynamics of faith rather than mere intellectual pursuits.
The development of Augustine's doctrine of grace highlights an inward experience that fosters personal transformation, contrasting with later interpretations emphasizing external sacraments.
Deep dives
Dr. Philip Carey's Journey with Augustine
Dr. Philip Carey, a professor of philosophy, details his journey into the study of Augustine, revealing a transformative shift from focusing on Martin Luther to Augustine's theological epistemology. Initially pursuing a dissertation on Luther, Carey encountered Augustine's semiotics, leading him to reconsider his expectations of how external signs confer inward gifts. He was surprised to find Augustine's teachings emphasized an inward turn away from external beauty, instead seeking a relationship with the divine present within oneself. This unexpected insight ultimately resulted in a vast body of work, extending much beyond his initial dissertation intentions, and solidified his focus on Augustine's philosophical and theological significance.
Inward vs. Outward Turns in Augustine's Thought
Augustine's concept of the inner self represents a critical shift in spiritual philosophy, advocating for an inward turn that focuses on God over external beauty. Carey emphasizes that, unlike Luther's emphasis on the gospel's externality and sacramental efficacy, Augustine suggests that the beauty of the external world can be a distraction from experiencing the divine. He refers to key moments in 'Confessions' where Augustine illustrates the futility of chasing earthly beauty, arguing that such pursuits ultimately cultivate illness in the soul. The essence of Augustine’s teaching underscores the need for believers to turn internally to connect with God, positing that while worldly beauty is good, it should not take precedence in one’s spiritual journey.
Christian Platonism and Its Challenges
Carey critically examines Christian Platonism, suggesting that it often defines the spiritual journey in terms of intellectual vision and the Beatific Vision, which he argues should not be the primary focus of Christian faith. He contends that the essence of Christian spirituality is better represented through the relationships and humanity of Jesus Christ rather than the Platonic ascent to wisdom. Augustine's perspective on the incarnation presents a crucial understanding where God’s descent in human form offers a different relational aspect compared to the intellectual pursuit typical of Platonic philosophy. This paradigm shift emphasizes that beatitude encompasses a profound relationship with the divine, rather than merely an intellectual contemplation of God.
The Relationship Between Knowing and Faith
Carey presents a nuanced comparison between knowing God through faith and the philosophical traditions of Platonism, critiquing the former's reliance on logical intellectualism for understanding. He identifies that knowing God, according to Luther, involves trust in God's word, reinforcing the relational aspect of faith over mere epistemological understanding. Augustine's distinct epistemology contrasts this by suggesting that an overemphasis on intellectual vision could lead to a misguided approach to knowing God intimately. This analysis critiques the disconnect that arises when philosophical frameworks overshadow the relational dynamics inherent in Christian faith and knowing, emphasizing faith as the foundation of true knowledge.
The Evolution of Augustine's Doctrine of Grace
Carey outlines the development of Augustine's doctrine of grace, explaining how it unfolds throughout Augustine's writings and highlighting the contrasts with Thomistic interpretations. He notes that Augustine did not frame grace within the context of the supernatural as later thinkers did, which creates a vital distinction in understanding grace's role in accessing God. Instead, Augustine's view is rooted deeply in the inward experience of grace that draws believers closer to God, away from the external sacraments. This focus leads Carey to suggest that the perception of personal transformation through grace reflects Augustine's broader theological agenda, emphasizing inward spiritual reformation rather than sacramental efficiency.
In this episode, Joshua talks with Dr. Phillip Cary about his book, Augustine's Invention of the Inner-Self: The Legacy of a Christian Platonist.
Dr. Cary is a professor of philosophy at Eastern University, where he has taught for almost 25 years. He is the author of nine books, with four more on the way, and numerous articles on philosophy and theology, with a distinct emphasis on Augustine. Central to our conversation today, he is the author of Augustine’s Inverntion of the Inner-self: the Legacy of a Christian Platonist, and its two follow up volumes: Inner Grace: Augustine in the Traditions of Plato and Paul; and Outward signs: the Powerlessness of External Things in Augustine’s thought.
Purchase the book at https://global.oup.com/academic/product/augustines-invention-of-the-inner-self-9780195158618?cc=gb&lang=en&
The theme music is 'O Great Light', by Jess Ray
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