An Introduction to Saint Augustine (Pt. 2) | Joseph Capizzi
Aug 31, 2018
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Scholar Joseph Capizzi discusses Saint Augustine's influence on sexual morality, politics, and governance. They analyze his perspectives on fear, coercion in belief, and the role of mercy in decision-making. The podcast challenges conventional views and offers a nuanced understanding of Augustine's impact on Western civilization.
Discipline and coercion are deemed necessary in the church for upholding faith.
Involvement of governing authorities can be justified to maintain religious integrity.
Balance between teaching, discipline, and coercion is crucial for religious unity.
Deep dives
The Use of Discipline and Coercion in Enforcing Faith
Augustine discusses the use of discipline and coercion within the church to uphold the faith. He emphasizes the importance of disciplining those who deviate from the accepted beliefs and in extreme cases, using coercion to bring them back. Augustine argues that while teaching is ideal, sometimes fear or punishment can also be effective in guiding individuals towards correct beliefs. He presents examples highlighting the need for firmness in enforcing religious doctrine while also appealing to the principles of mercy and charity.
The Role of Governing Authority and Property Dispossession in Religious Disputes
Augustine delves into the involvement of governing authorities in resolving religious disputes by dispossessing individuals of their churches and property. He justifies this action as necessary to maintain the integrity of the faith community and guide individuals back to correct beliefs. Augustine navigates the complex interplay between legal coercion, property rights, and religious discipline, emphasizing the adherence to truth and charity in addressing contentious theological matters.
Augustine's Justification of Coercive Measures in Upholding Religious Beliefs
Augustine justifies the use of coercion to uphold religious beliefs and discipline within the church community. He argues that firm action, including the coercive enforcement of doctrine and property dispossession, is essential to maintain the unity and orthodoxy of the faith. Augustine's approach involves a careful balance between teaching, discipline, and coercion, highlighting the nuanced moral and theological considerations involved in regulating religious beliefs.
The Intersection of Law, Discipline, and Charity in Religious Governance
Augustine explores the interplay between law, discipline, and charity in the governance of religious communities. He grapples with the tension between enforcing religious orthodoxy through legal means, disciplining errant believers, and embodying the virtues of mercy and charity in addressing doctrinal disputes. Augustine's writings reflect a complex ethical framework that incorporates legal coercion, disciplinary action, and moral guidance in preserving the integrity of the faith.
Comparative Perspectives on Legal Coercion and Moral Instruction
The podcast episode delves into Augustine's views on the use of legal coercion and disciplinary measures to uphold religious beliefs. It compares his stance with other philosophical and theological perspectives on the role of law, discipline, and charity in regulating faith communities. By examining Augustine's justifications for coercive measures within the church, the episode sheds light on the ethical and theological considerations surrounding religious governance and orthodoxy.
This talk was offered on July 17th as part of the Civitas Dei Summer Fellowship program. For more information on future events, visit our website at: thomisticinstitute.org/events/?view=…eptember-2018
Civitas Dei is an annual summer fellowship sponsored by the Thomistic Institute and the Institute for Human Ecology.
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