Dr. Chad Pecknold, an expert in theology and politics, discusses themes of justice, obligations to society, and sacrifice as highlighted by Augustine with references to Cicero. They explore Rome's decline, Cicero and Augustine's perspectives on Commonwealth and justice, pursuit of eternal happiness, divine nature, sacrifice, purification to connect with God, and degrees of wickedness in worship.
Understanding justice and true religio are crucial for developing a comprehensive argument.
The influence of theology, morality, and politics shapes society's moral and political decline.
Augustine stresses the significance of justice as a fundamental element for the existence of a commonwealth.
Deep dives
The Significance of the First Half of City of God
Augustine values the first half of City of God as much as the second half, aiming to grasp the whole concept of the work. He emphasizes the importance of understanding themes like rendering what is due and justice in developing a comprehensive argument. Utilizing the classical definition of justice from Cicero, Augustine highlights the necessity of understanding true religio for a complete concept of res publica.
Rome's Moral Degradation and Influence of Religion
Book Two of City of God delves into Rome's moral and political decline according to various historical accounts presented by Augustine. He references how the narratives about the gods' immoral actions in theaters corrupt the populace, emphasizing the link between theology, morality, and politics in shaping a society. Augustine showcases the contrast between negative influences from false gods and the need for true religio to purify society.
Cicero's Definition of Commonwealth and Justice
Augustine engages with Cicero's concept of res publica, highlighting Cicero's emphasis on justice as a fundamental element for the existence of a commonwealth. Cicero stresses the importance of a moral standard that transcends political forms, emphasizing that without justice, the res publica ceases to exist. Augustine aligns with Cicero's high standard of justice and aims to bring it to perfection through a mediator, culminating around the theme of sacrifice.
The Concept of Deification and Purification in Augustine's Theology
Augustine delves into the themes of deification and purification, drawing parallels with the Platonic notions of ascending to divine intelligence. He distinguishes between the purifying principles of the Platonists and his belief in Christ as the ultimate purifier of souls. Augustine's emphasis on purification and deification aligns with his vision of uniting individuals with the divine through Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of true religio.
Angelic Influence and Deception in Augustine's Theology
Augustine contrasts the deceptive influence of false gods, inspired by fallen angels, with the guiding role of holy angels created by God. He underscores how human inventions, misled by fallen angels, can lead individuals astray, while holy angels serve as agents that elevate and purify souls. Augustine's theology highlights the importance of discerning between deceptive influences and divine agents in achieving spiritual purification and unity with the divine.
Held each summer, The Civitas Dei Summer Fellowship Program supports rising scholars seeking to better understand the Catholic intellectual tradition. Sponsored by the Thomistic Institute and the Institute for Human Ecology, Civitas Dei Fellows spend a week together in Washington DC, examining the search for happiness as a fundamental end of the person and the polis.
The week-long seminar introduced students to foundational themes in philosophy, political theory, and theology, dealing with law, personhood, political life, and the search for happiness. The focus was on an introduction to foundations of political and moral theory of Augustine, Aquinas, and modern constitutional jurisprudence.
Speakers included Dr. Adrian Vermeule (Harvard Law School), Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P. (Dominican House of Studies) and Dr. Chad C. Pecknold (Catholic University of America)
You can access the hand out for this lecture here: tinyurl.com/yb6s6o4e
For more information about upcoming TI events, visit: www.thomisticinstitute.org/events
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