AUGUSTINE: HIS INSPIRATION ON THE CHURCH ACROSS THE CENTURIES

A Research Paper
Submitted To Dr.
Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
Lynchburg, VA

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Course of
History of Christianity I
CHHI 520-B05 LUO

March 5, 2014
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1
AUGUSTINE’S LIFE 1
AUGUSTINE’S INFLUENCE 4
AUGUSTINE ON EVIL 5
AUGUSTINE ON FREEWILL 8
AUGUSTINE ON GRACE 10
CONCLUSION 11
BIBLIOGRAPHY 12

INTRODUCTION
The objective of this essay is to generate adequate evidence, which illuminates the considerable inspiration created by St. Augustine throughout the generations. Augustine’s unsurpassed competency regarding numerous doctrinal and theological publications stimulates brilliant minds through the centuries.0 Theologians search through Augustine of Hippo, otherwise known as modestly Augustine, respected as a surpassing inspirational figure for both medieval and modern philosophy motivated the church through premises approaching the obstruction of evil, free will, body and soul, and the probability of assurance to name a few.0 Theologians examine his immense quantity of literature in order to modify their comprehension regarding the descants of his vernacular and the eddy of his conviction.0
AUGUSTINE’S LIFE
In order to recognize the extensive imprint Augustine formed in countless approaches throughout church history, it is essential to exhibit his life briefly. Augustine of Hippo was born on November 13 in Thagaste, North Africa.0 His father Patricius was a Roman bureaucrat who declared the customary pagan beliefs. His mother Monica was a passionate Christian. Augustine’s mother played a vital role in his conversion. Her zealous prayers concerning his father’s salvation swayed the foundations deeming Augustines worldview and ultimately abetted his father’s salvation transformation.0 Augustine mother inaugurates the Christian influence inside Augustine conversion. Augustine is a feasible representation concerning the consequence of seeds sown. The apostle Paul explains, “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8 ESV) According to Everett Fergusson, “Augustine received an elementary Christian education.”0 His schooling demonstrates his mother’s aspiration and determination for her son’s spiritual welfare. She acknowledged the magnitude of Christian education. She identified the significance of disseminating eternal seeds for her husband and son. Her fervency for her son’s spiritual well-being generated indispensable pressure on the church for ages.0 Unfortunately, Augustine avoided the Lord’s calling during his earlier years. Instead, he followed worldly ambitions. Augustine moved to Carthage in an attempt to pursue his studies in rhetoric. His objective was to ascertain the proficiency to sophisticatedly and persuasively communicate and compose. Augustine learned the necessity to seek truth during his education, through the writing of Cicero. No longer had Augustine limited his education to respectable homily and polished composing. Eventually, his search for truth introduced him to Manichaeism.0 Because Augustine desired absolute interpretation of reality, he supposed Manichaeism suggested answers Christianity did not. First, Augustine questioned the biblical text because he believed it lacked sophistication. Second, Augustine deemed Manichaeism adequately tackled the origin of evil. Nevertheless, Augustines Manichaeism quest continued leaving him with hesitations. These uncertainties directed Augustines pursuit's in a different route. Augustine’s pursuit for truth placed him under the writings of Neo-Platonist's under the direction of Simplicianus. Simplicianus hoped Neo-Platonism would open the door for Augustine to reestablish his Christian heritage. Through these undertakings, Augustine discovered satisfaction regarding the existence of evil. He learned