History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 112 - Help Wanted - Augustine on Freedom
21 snips
Jan 20, 2013 AI Snips
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Revision Led To Clearer Stance On Freedom
- Augustine revised earlier writings because opponents used them against him and he wanted clearer positions on freedom and grace.
- His mature views defended free will while rejecting Pelagian self-sufficiency, insisting on divine help for true goodness.
Donatist Schism Rooted In Persecution
- Donatists split from the church after clergy complied with imperial persecutions and their movement threatened sacraments' validity.
- Augustine fought Donatism energetically, supporting councils and even an imperial edict against them.
Pelagian Demand Versus Augustinian Grace
- Pelagius argued we must be able to obey God's commands or the commands would be pointless, so we have sufficient free will to merit virtue.
- Augustine countered with original sin and divine grace: humans cannot merit salvation unaided.