22: The Brilliance of Saint Augustine. An Interview with Elizabeth Bruenig
Jun 15, 2017
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Elizabeth Bruenig, Editor at the Washington Post, discusses the life, thought, and relevance of Saint Augustine. Topics covered include his influence on Christian theology and Western culture, his brilliance in capturing the human experience, his controversies and conflicts, his theory on church and state, and his response to blaming Christianity for Rome's fall.
Augustine's theories on introspection and reading deeply shaped the way we understand our internal lives and the impact they have on our reasoning and actions.
Augustine argued that Rome's fall was not due to Christianity, but rather the transient nature of earthly civilizations, emphasizing that true glory is achieved through love of God and the pursuit of eternal life, not through worldly achievements.
Deep dives
Augustine's Significance in Christianity
Augustine is a foundational figure in Western Christianity and a prominent church doctor. His theological works hold influence in both Catholic and Protestant traditions. Augustine's theories on introspection and reading deeply shaped the way we understand our internal lives and the impact they have on our reasoning and actions. His theory of grace and original sin formed the basis of Catholic doctrine, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and the insufficiency of human efforts for salvation. Augustine's writing on these topics played a crucial role in the development of Christian thought and the Protestant Reformation.
Augustine's Response to the Fall of Rome
After the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410, Augustine addressed the criticism that Christianity was to blame for the decline of the city. In his work, 'The City of God,' he argued that Rome's fall was not due to Christianity, but rather the transient nature of earthly civilizations. He emphasized that true glory is achieved through love of God and the pursuit of eternal life, not through worldly achievements. Augustine's theological perspective provided solace to those alarmed by Rome's collapse, offering assurance that God had a divine plan and that earthly nations come and go.
Augustine's Thinking on Grace and Sin
Augustine's theological work on grace and sin had a profound impact on Christian thought. He developed the concept of original sin, highlighting the flawed nature of humanity and our tendency towards error and evil. Augustine argued that individuals could not perfect themselves through their own efforts, but required divine grace for salvation. This theory influenced Catholic theology, particularly the belief in the healing power of God's grace and the insufficiency of self-perfection. His ideas also played a significant role in shaping Protestant thinking, providing language and concepts that contributed to the Protestant Reformation.
Augustine's Engagement with the World
Despite his deep commitment to Christianity, Augustine did not advocate for a total retreat from the world. He recognized the complexities and imperfections of human life, acknowledging that most individuals fall into the category of being 'not very good.' Augustine believed in the church's role in addressing the needs of imperfect individuals and the importance of living a Christian life while engaging with the world. His nuanced thinking offers a model for balancing spirituality and a realistic understanding of the human condition.
Saint Augustine is one of the foundational figures of Christianity and one of the most influential thinkers of all time. He was also a complex and fascinating figure in his own right. Elizabeth Bruenig, an editor at the Washington Post and writer on politics and Christianity (@ebruenig on Twitter) joins me to discuss Augustine's life, thought, and greater meaning.
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