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AUGUSTINE’S PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION: PART 2 (Augustine’s Pastoral Activity)

ABSTRACT This study is part of a study on Augustine on his exegesis. Some of the arguments in his pastoral activity was used in a research entitled: “Student’s Shady Loves and their Climactic Awareness on Transformation from Carnals to Spiritual.” On Augustine pedagogy of conversion, he sees 1 Christ’s death as an allusion in the model of courage. Maria Imelda Pastrana Nabor, Ph.D Christ’s humility nullifies human pride. His undeserved 1Aklan State University, death on the Cross was for the remission of the physical punishment of Adam’s sin. In his later treatise, he affirms Banga, Aklan, Philippines Christ’s life, death and resurrection as the effective means to overcome habitual sins such as the psychological root of pride. Year 392, he used language of sacrifice and redemption in his homily seeing sin as purely volitional, the cross as the model of courage and humility and Christ’s death as a sacrifice for sin. He called the Lord Redeemer because he bought back all souls. Two prices were paid. “Pleasure and guilty death, on the one hand, suffering and innocent death, on the other hand.” Christ’s Cross was the payment of the human debt to God. Year 396, Augustine presents the Cross as the source of the movement of operative grace. In the Confessions, there are four references to the death of Christ. First, (Confessions 4.12.19) Human person’s/Augustine’s too much materialistic desire as a means of happiness in the land of death. Second, Augustine’s sickness in Rome. Augustine thought that his sins were not forgiven even though Christ died on the Cross (Confessions 5.9.2). Later, this made Augustine think that bodily suffering and death were essential to blot out his sins. Third, Augustine’s idea of redemption is strong. Finally, Augustine needs an Intercessor to reconcile him to God (Confessions 9.13.35). Augustine believes that Jesus paid the price of redemption with his blood (Confessions X.X1.iii.68). The configuration here involves an exploration of Augustine’s pastoral activity focusing on Augustine’s achievements in his priestly ministry and the episcopate stressing the grave controversies such as the Manichean controversy, the Donatist controversy, and the Pelagian controversy. It will also depict Augustine’s productive monumental work as bishop. KEYWORDS: Pastoral, Conversion, Ministry, Episcopate

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St. Augustine (354 –430)1 clergy, and his monasteries. Augustine died on Aurelius Augustine was born on November August 28, 430. 13, 354 at Tagaste in the Roman province of Numidia St. Augustine is probably the greatest of all Proconsularis now known as the French province of the Christian philosophers and theologians. He was Algeria (near Carthage in North Africa). Punic especially concerned with the combating of the three language lingered in the province influencing a great heresies: vernacular basis of African nationalism since the a) Pelagianism – heresy originating in the 5th province was governed by ancient Carthage. His Cent. It derived its name from the British father, Patricius, was a jovial, sensual, and a Monk Pelagius (355-425). Pelagianism is a passionate person. He was a pagan administrator but series of heretical propositions concerning with small means. His mother, Monica, was a model grace, ultimately denying both the of Christian motherhood and exemplary virtues. She supernatural order and the necessity of grace was a Christian by parentage, conviction and for salvation. Among its other tenets were: disposition. Adam still would have died even if he had He was attracted as a youth first to the not sinned; the fall of Adam injured only Manichean religion, a variation of the Zoroastrianism Adam and not the entire human race; a new- that had spread through the Roman Empire, and later born child is in the same state as Adam prior to the mysticism of the neo-Platonists, whose to the fall; the human race will not die as a influence is discernible throughout his writings. After result of Adam’s sin, but it will not rise on being educated both in Carthage and Rome, he took a the last day because of Christ’s redemption; position in Milan as a professor of rhetoric. There he the law of the Jews (or Israel) will permit came under the influence of St. Ambrose, bishop of individuals to reach heaven in the same day Milan, who succeeded in leading him into the as the Gospel. He believed that Augustine’s Christian fold. After his conversion, Augustine positions of grace being dependent upon the devoted the remainder of his life to the strengthening divine will was incorrect and gave humanity of the church, especially in North Africa. In 395, he no personal reason to avoid sin. Instead, he was appointed bishop of a busy seaport (French port argued that humans were responsible for of Bona), Hippo, now Annaba in Algeria (near their own actions. Augustine disagreed with Carthage), a post he retained until his death (AD Pelagius concept of an individual’s 354). In spite of his heavy clerical duties he wrote essentially good moral nature and his voluminously, authoring 113 books, 218 letters, and understanding of the person as a free and approximately 7,000 sermons, particularly in autonomous individual who can achieve philosophy and theology. His literary output covers sanctity through unaided human effort. the entire sphere of human thought and ranges from b) Donatism – Schismatic sect that originated the psychological complexity of the confessions, to in North Africa during the early 4th cent. The the political insights of the City of God, to the Donatist’s derived their name from Donatus, stridently polemical. the 2nd schismatic bishop of Carthage. The Augustine was a man of vital personality, members of the Donatist sect originated out with an abounding gift of self-expression. He knew of the rigorists within the African Christian the depths of the soul and he could articulate its community, who were opposed to the so- secrets. The following saying of St. Augustine shows called traitors, those Christians who had who the man “Augustine” is. handed over the Scriptures to Roman “Thou hast made us for thyself, and officials during the terrible persecutions our under Emperor Diocletian. Their focus heart is restless until it find rest in became centered on Caecilian, bishop of thee.” Carthage, who was consecrated in 311 by The “Cor inquietum” or the restless heart symbolizes Felix of Aptunga. The rigorists refused to Augustine’s desire for God. This moved Augustine accept Caecilian on the grounds that Felix to explore and seek God, in whom alone his spirit can had been a traitor, thereby making him no find rest. longer able to administer the sacraments Augustine’s writings, successful preaching, validly. For Augustine, the true minister of tireless activity against the heretics, and an the sacraments is Christ and thus the indefatigable pen finally ceased its work when the unworthiness of any other minister does not Vandal Gaiseric started a Teutonic conquest in any way affect the efficacy of a besieging the city in 430. The dying Augustine sacrament. leaves the Church three great treasures: his books, his

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c) Manichaeism – religious sect founded by a supplants the speculative idealistic spirits Persian named Mani or Manes in the 3rd of the East and Greece. cent. Augustine was a member for 9 years. b. Augustine was the inspiration of The followers of Mani believed that there Scholastics and Mysticism: From Gregory was an eternal struggle between good and the Great to the Fathers of Trent, his evil, between darkness and light. When theological authority, unquestionably the darkness intruded upon the realm of the highest, dominates all thinkers. The light, there occurred an intermingling of the representation of scholasticism – mortal with the divine, a mixture trapped in Anselm, Peter Lombard, Thomas matter. The light was found in the brain. Aquinas, and the representatives of Humanity was to practice strict asceticism in mysticism – Bernard, Hugh of St. Victor, order to begin the process of releasing the and Tauler – both appealed to his trapped light. Those who became hearers authority, nourished themselves upon his hoped to achieve rebirth as the elect, those writings and were penetrated with his blessed few who had overcome the need for spirit. the transmigration of the soul. Jesus, they c. Modern trends of thought depended on felt, was the Son of God, but he had come to him for truth and profound religious earth to save his own soul because of Adam. sentiment. Jesus, Buddha, and other holy figures were d. Councils have drawn extensively on the sent to help humanity in attaining spiritual teaching of Augustine. freedom. e. The history of Augustinianism is Augustine’s Contributions coextensive with the history of Western 1. Augustine is considered as the greatest and thought in its philosophy, spirituality and foremost of the Fathers: its political thought. a. Augustine’s teaching marks a distinct f. Great thinkers turned extensively to epoch in the history of Christian thought Augustine as the highest possible and opens a new phase in the unfolding of authority in teaching. Even Thomas the church. Aquinas is a disciple of Augustine in the b. Down the centuries Popes praised his field of theology, philosophy, spirituality wisdom and depended on his teachings. and political thought. As a humble and unobtrusive teacher, he g. The presence of Augustinian motifs and does not feel superior to others. He the influence of Augustinian thought are considered truth as a good common to all. remarkable in idealism, existentialism and He constraints himself to a simple spiritualism. It is more evident in statement of his own excruciating spirituality from the “Devotio Moderna” experiences. movement to St. Teresa of Avila, St. 2. Augustine is a “world historical figure” Francis de Sales, etc. whose legacy is a fundamental feature of h. The emphatic and constant appeal to his both ancient and modern civilization: Link authority by thinkers exhibit the presence between ancient and modern civilization. and perennial fruitfulness of his teaching. a. He gathers and condenses on his writings i. Augustine was a philosopher, theologian, the intellectual treasures of the ancient a master of spiritual life, mystic, pastor, world and transmits them to the new poet and a controversialist. He has the generations anchoring between ancient depth of metaphysical intuition, rich heritage and modern civilization. abundance of theological proofs, synthetic b. He analyzes, classifies, combines and power and energy, psychological depth in synthesized the vast contributions of the spiritual ascents, and a wealth of primitive world/primitive Christianity to imagination, sensibility and mystical nurture the growth and structure of the fervor. movements of his own age consciousness j. As a great theologian of the Trinity, of by leaving his own stamp upon them. redemption, of Christ, and of history, he 3. Inspirer of religious thought. is the developer of scholarly theological a. With Augustine the center of dogmatic method, who continues an ardent desire and theological development shifted, for understanding with a firm adherence moving from the East to the West. The to the authority of the faith, a keen sense practical, realistic spirit of the Latin race of mastery which constant subordination of knowledge to love. He has profound

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religious experience that teaches us to pray, communicates a passionate love, Philosophy to Augustine is insufficient in and speaks words of hope. itself in discovering this blessed life. It does offer to k. Augustine’s relevance is his ecumenical the Christian a means to improve the understanding indispensability. His synthesis of the faith and hence is a positive asset in the acknowledges the doctrinal points that rational approach to the love of God. In his book The unite all Christians. Confession Augustine considers man as the great 4. Augustine leads in the unfolding of dogmas. mystery. The place of rationalism is clear in the a. The entire Christian dogma is indebted to famous maxim Credo ut intelligam (“I believe in Augustine for new paradigms, which order to understand”), an expression of the better, justify and explicate revelation, for preeminence given by Augustine to faith over reason. new perspectives of the greater clarity and St. Augustine is directly concerned with precision such as the fall, the atonement, ethical questions. It is apparent that his religious grace and predestination. beliefs shaped his thought. First, he inquired in the b. He was the first person in the fashion of Aristotle, concerning the chief or highest consciousness of the Church to advance good of human life, which we ordinarily call anthropological and soteriological happiness. He rejects the body as the basis of this doctrines with clarity and conciseness. good, arguing instead that it must be an attribute of c. The Augustine of Christian philosophy: of the soul. Then, through a series of steps, he reaches the interior and eternal summons us to the the conclusion that this good is virtue, which the soul interior life and offers a ground for attains through seeking and following God. transcendence; of the person as “a deep St. Augustine also confronts a question with abyss” and image of God, who receives which Christian philosophers have struggled ever from God gifts of being, knowledge, and since he raised it. If God created the universe and love that can be preserved only in God; of everything in it and God is both omnipotent and human beings as weak sinners who long perfect, why does evil exist? Many answers have for freedom and salvation that Christ been given to this question that of St. Augustine is alone can give them; of the relationship one of the most ingenious. between time and eternity, reason and The Controversial Writings of Saint faith, nature and grace, etc. Augustine d. He is not only the Doctor of Grace; he is Augustine’s controversial works are the also the Doctor of the Church. He is the following: Confessions, 397, Retractations, 427-8, Doctor of the Good and the Doctor of contra Academicos, 386, De Vita Beata, 386, Charity. Soliloquia, 387, De Musica, 387-9, De Magistro, 389, e. Theology is indebted to him for a host of De Anima et Ejus Origine, 419, De Doctrina concise formula. Christiana, 397, De Civitate Dei, 413-26, f. His extensive system on doctrines such as Enchiridion, or De Fide, 421, De Vera Religione, grace, original sin, and the fall would 390, De Genesi ad Literam, 401-15, enarrationes in serve as the impetus for a host of Psalmos, De Consensu Evangelistarum, etc. theologians and interpreters. The Writings of Saint Augustine g. He is considered a pivotal figure in the The writings of Saint Augustine are divided history of Christian thought chiefly for his into nine classes: immense role in reconciling Platonism 1. Autobiography and correspondence with Christianity. a. Confessions h. His philosophical outlook is thus b. Division essentially Platonic. He advances the c. Judgment notion of eternal truths that correspond to d. Retractions Plato’s subsistent ideas, but for e. Letters Augustine, since truths subsist in the 2. Philosophy and liberal arts intellect; therefore, eternal truths must a. Against the Academics subsist in the intellect of God. The b. On the Happy Life pursuit of these truths is the ultimate c. On Order pursuit of the person. The central d. Soliloquies motivation, though, is not reason, but e. Apocryphal works love, which forms the central basis of life. f. On the Immortality of the Soul The object of desire is the blessed life of g. On the Quantity of the soul the Christian in finding God.

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h. On the teacher 3. On Nature and Grace i. An encyclopedia of the liberal arts 4. On the Perfection of Justice j. On Music 5. On the Deeds of Pelagius 3. General apologetics and polemics against 6. Letter 186 to Paulinus of Nola the infidels 7. On the Grace of Christ and Original a. On the city of God Sin b. On the True Religion 8. Letter 194 to Sixtus c. On the advantage of Believing 9. On the Soul and its Origin d. On Faith in things Unseen b). Against Julian of Eclanum e. On the divination of Demons 1. On Marriage and Concupiscence f. Six Questions against the Pagans 2. Against Two Pelagian Letters g. Letters 118 3. Against Julian the Defender of the h. Treatise against the Jews Pelagian Heresy 4. Polemics against the heretics 4. Incomplete Work against Julian 1) History of heresies c). Against the Semipelagians a. On Heresies 1. On Grace and Freedom of Choice 2) Against the Manicheans 2. On Punishment and Grace b. On the Morals of the Catholic 3. Letter 217 to Vitalis of Carthage church and the Moral of the 4. On the Predestination of the Saints Manicheans 5. On the gift of Perseverance c. On Two Souls 3). Against Arianism d. Disputation against Fortunatus a. Against an Arian Sermon e. Against Adimantus b. Conference with Maximinus f. Against a Letter of the Manicheans (Against Maximinus) g. On Freedom of choice 5. Scriptural exegesis h. Against Faustus a. Theory of Exegesis i. Proceedings with Felix the a) On Christian Doctrine Manichean b. Commentaries on the Old Testament j. On the Nature of Good a) On Genesis against the k. Against Secundinus Manicheans l. Against the Priscillianists and the b) Incomplete Literal Commentary followers of Origen of Genesis m. Against an Adversary of the Law c) Literal Commentary on Genesis and the Prophets. d) Expressions in the Heptateuch 3) Against the Donatists e) Questions on the Heptateuch n. Psalm against the Donatists f) Notes on Job o. Against the Letter of Parmenianus g) Discourses on the Psalms p. On Baptism against the Donatists c. Writings on the Gospels q. Against the Letter of Petilianus a) On the Agreement of the Evangelists r. Letter to the Catholics against the b) Questions on the Gospels Donatists c) On our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount s. Against Cresconius, the Donatist d) Commentary on the Gospel of St. Grammarian John t. On single Baptism e) Commentary on the First Epistle of u. Letter 108 to Macrobius St. John v. Resume of a conference with the d. On the Epistles of St. Paul Donatists a) Explanation of some Questions from w. To the Donatists after the Romans conference b) Partial Explanation of the Epistle to the x. The discussion with Emeritus Romans (Proceedings with Emeritus) c) Explanation of the Epistle to the y. Against Gaudentius Galatians 4) Against the Pelagians e. Scriptural Analecta a). Against Pelagius and Coelistus a) The Mirror of Scripture 1. On the Punishment and Remissions of 6. Dogmatic and Moral Exposition Sins a. General Exposition of the Faith 2. On the spirit and the Letter 1) On the Christian Struggle

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2) Enchiridion 1. Hypomnesticon against the b. Various Questions or Collections Pelagians and Coelestians 1) On Eighty-three Different 2. On Predestination and Grace Questions 3. Booklet on Predestination 2) On Various Questions for d. Against the Arians Simplicianus 1. Discussion of Augustine with 3) On Eight Questions of Dulcitius Pascentius c. Particular dogmatic Questions 2. Against Felicianus 1) On the Trinity 3. On the Trinity and Unity of 2) Letter 120 to Consentius God 3) On Faith and Works e. Exegesis d. Moral or Ascetical Questions 1. On the Marvels of Holy 1) On Lying Scripture 2) Against Lying 2. On the Blessings of the 3) On Continence Patriarch Jacob 4) On Conjugal Good 3. Questions on the Old and New 5) On Holy Virginity Testaments 6) On the Good of Widowhood 4. Seventeen Questions on 7) On Adulterous Marriages Matthew 8) On Patience 5. Psalter for His Mother 9) On the Care to be shown the 6. Explanation of the Magnificat Dead f. Dogmatic or Moral Exposition 10) On the labor of the Monks 1. On Faith to Peter 7. Pastoral theology and preaching 2. On the Dogmas of the Church a. On Catechizing the Uneducated 3. On the Incarnation of the Word b. Sermons 4. On the Essence of the divinity 8. Apocryphal works 5. On the Unity of the Holy Trinity 1) Letters 6. Questions on the Trinity and on a. Letter to Demetrias Genesis b. Rule for Monks 7. Dialogue of Sixty-five Questions c. Letter to Probus 8. Book of Twenty-one Sentences d. Correspondence with Count 9. On Antichrist Boniface 10. On the Assumption e. Correspondence between 11. On the Christian Life Augustine and Cyril of Jerusalem 12. On True and False Penance 2) Philosophy 13. Book of Exhortation a. On the spirit and the Soul 14. On the Knowledge of the True 3) Apologetics against the Infidels Life a. Treatise against five Heresies 15. On Friendship b. Sermon on the Creed against 16. On the Eremetical Life the Jews, Pagans, and Arians 17. Mirror c. Dispute between the church 18. Mirror of the sinner and the synagogue 19. Book on Loving god 4) Apologetics against the Heretics 20. Soliloquies, Meditations, a. Against the Manicheans Manual 1. On the Faith against the 21. On the Triple Dwelling Manicheans 22. On Contrition of Heart 2. Warning how one should deal 23. Ladder of Paradise with Converted Manicheans 24. On the Seven Vices and gifts b. Against the Donatists 25. On the Conflict of the Vices and 1. Sermon on Rusticianus the Virtues Subdeacon 26. On the Twelve Degrees of 2. Against Fulgentius Abuses 3. Testimonies of Faith against the 27. On Sobriety and Chastity Donatists 28. On Visiting the Sick c. Against the Pelagians g. Preaching

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1. Sermons to the Brethren in the City). He continued his scholarly and apostolic Desert activity. Monica died before November 13, 388. 2. Various sermons or parts of There are essential points in Augustine’s program: sermons collected by the poverty, common life, asceticism, study and Benedictines apostolate. Augustine was reluctant in becoming a 3. On the series of eleven sermons priest for two considerations: first, the responsibility edited among the opuscules (the of the priesthood, which he considered the most Creed, Sermon of the Creed against difficult, laborious and dangerous office. Second, the Jews, Pagans, and Arians, On monastic ideals. Christian discipline, On the New Augustine was commissioned by Bishop chant – baptism, On Wednesday, Valerius (a Greek by birth who spoke Latin poorly) On the Cataclysm, and On the the traditio symboli: to expound the gospel and to Barbaric Age, etc.) preach in his presence in Bona. Augustine was 4. Sermon 351 (recognized as directed to the task of Christian exegesis. He was set authentic by the Benedictines) to endeavor in his life long task of justification and 9. Lost writings interpretation of the Christian faith. As a a. Philosophical and Literary works consequence of the example, zeal and stimulus of the 1) On the fitting and newly ordained Augustine, his monastery, the first in Beautiful Africa, became a training school for clergy and 2) Great Study on the Liberal supplied learned and devout priests. The example of Arts monastic life spread rapidly. He fostered, defended b. Anti-Donatist Writings and organized monastic life. 1) Against the Donatists He composed a rule for his monastery, 2) Against the Assertions of dedicated without reservation to the ascetic life and Centurius diffuses it throughout the African churches. It 3) Proofs and Witnesses became the great storehouse of energy for pastoral against the Donatists activity. His life and brother clerics adhered to vow 4) Against the Donatist of poverty (construed as the surrender of all property, 5) Warning of the Donatists as a completely common life, as trust in God and joy 6) On the Maximinianists in possessing him alone), fellowship (the daily 7) To Emeritus exercise of solidarity and charity, i.e., mutual help 8) Against Primianus and support, trust, and avoidance of expenses, ill will, 9) On surrendering the etc.), moderation and was inspired by the first Scriptures in Persecution Christian community in Jerusalem (A 2:42). This 10) On Baptism entire way of life wherein poverty was marked by c. Various subjects dignity and moderation by joy, in addition to its 1) Book Against Hilary ascetico-mystical and apostolic goal, a social 2) The Answer to the purpose, viz, to lessen the needs of other members. Objections of Hilary The key word is “fellow poor” or “one of Christ’s 3) Explanation of the epistle heart brethren.” of St. James Portalie3 listed Augustine’s achievements in 4) Possidius, Cave, and his five-year period of priestly ministry: Schonemann 1. The office of preaching “the traditio 1. Against the Pagans symboli” was entrusted to Augustine. 2. Exhortation to the Pagans 2. Augustine fought against heresies 3. On Spiritual Sacrifices especially Manichaeism and tireless 4. On the Lord’s Day victorious debates against the 5. Various treatises against the Donatist became known both in Arians Africa and abroad. August 392, he 6. On Charity held a successful public discussion Augustine as Presbyter of Hippo (391-396)2 for two days with Fortunatus, a Augustine returned to Milan. He attended the Manichean Presbyter. He confronted baptismal catechesis, participated in the liturgical the Donatist controversy, first, by celebrations, meditated and visited the monastery of writing to a neighboring bishop of Ambrose. that sect to remonstrate with him for Augustine was baptized on April 24-25, 387 rebaptizing about 394. He composed at Hippo Regius (an ancient and wealthy Numidian an acrostic song in refutation of the

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sect (394: Psalmus contra Partem contemplative by inclination and a bishop by Donati), and a tract, Contra obedience. Epistolam Donati. He also wrote a He found his office a burden, a sarcina. He group of exegetical works “ An never liked it, but accepted it out of love. He called Exposition of the Sermon on the himself “A servant of Christ and, in his name, a Mount.” He began a continuous servant of his servants.” His motto was: “to rule is to commentary on the epistle. He wrote be useful” (prae esse est prodesse). For Augustine, other books that were remarkable for the word bishop entails a responsibility, not an honor. the suppression of the philosophical The theme of service was the root of his Episcopal form of the elder works by biblical, spirituality. To rule is to serve. The exercise of a and to a great extent Pauline, bishop’s office does not depend on man’s moral categories. The philosophical qualities. His own Episcopal consecration was an substratum of Platonism remains, but opportunity to remind himself of the burdensome Augustine is now a biblical and accountability he carries to ask the faithful for ecclesiastical theologian. assistance of their prayer and obedience. 3. Augustine’s writings and A bishop’s duties is a configuration of participation by giving a discourse in preaching, catechesis, administration of the the Plenary Council of Africa in sacraments, care of the poor, the defense of the lowly, October 393. Augustine preached to aged and the underage, the stewardship of the them De fide et Symbolo. A council church’s goods, the task of defending the integrity of was held at Carthage in 394. To the faith against heresy, the unity of the church refute the Manichean controversy, he against schism, and the administration of justice wrote De Utilitate Credendi, De demanding time (to sit hour after hour in court, Beatus Animabus, a tract against listening, admonishing, and discretion making), Manichean Adimantus, and De dedication and energy. Genesi ad Literam. The episcopate, for Augustine, was not 4. He abolished the abuse of holding something desirable in itself, but as a change to be banquets in the chapels of the accepted as manifestation of love for Christ. This martyrs. This is evident in his love must be humble, disinterested, and generous. correspondence with Aurelius, the Concerning preaching, he preached not only new bishop of Carthage [Confessions in Hippo but also in all the Churches of Africa to V.ii). which he was invited. He preached twice a week on 5. It was as a presbyter that he Saturday and Sunday. He also preached frequently, completed his three books De Libro often for five days in succession. He spent five years Arbitrio: they were directed against as a priest and thirty-four years as a bishop. The sum the Manichean theory of origin of total of his sermons was exemplary. The sermons fall evil and vindicate the moral into three categories: commentaries on the Gospels responsibility of man against the and the first letter of John, commentaries on the theory of a physical principle of evil. Psalms and other sermons on the commentaries on 6. The Pelagians appealed against Scripture, sermons on the liturgical seasons, and Augustine’s doctrine of irresistible occasional sermons. Augustine found preaching very grace. Augustine refuted such fatiguing (because of the physical effort it demanded) anticipation. and at a constant grief because it prevented him from 7. Of personal interest, Augustine devoting himself to studies. corresponded with Saintly Paulinus Grave controversies, and productive of Nola, to whom he sent the books monumental works occupied Augustine’s episcopate. on “Free Will.” He also As a bishop (about 397-400): corresponded with Jerome. The Episcopate4 1. The Episcopal residence of Hippo became a The old and infirm Valerius marked out nursery of founders with monasteries and Augustine as his successor by inducing Megalius of bishops for the sees of the neighboring Calama (bishop senior by consecration in Numidia) dioceses. to consecrate Augustine as his co-adjutor with right 2. Augustine merited the title of the patriarch of succession. Megalius personally objected, but of the religious life and the reformer of subsequently withdrew. Augustine’s consecration clerical life in Africa. occurred between Ascension of 395 and August of 3. He won others by example. His exemplary 397. He was an extraordinary person: a virtues such as extreme poverty and

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simplicity, excessive austerity of life, and nature. He is the Supreme good and from charity inspired the sale of the sacred vessels him proceeds all things, corporeal and to ransom captives. He had a hospital and spiritual. And that these are good to the five churches erected. extent that they are. 4. He was a pastor of soul and the defender of 6. He outgrew a controversy with Manichean truth. His activity in defense of orthodoxy “auditor” Secundianus. Augustine wrote range over every field. “Against Secundinus.” It is a 5. He preached the word of God with such comprehensive treatise on the creation of the evident charity that he won souls. world from nothing, on the divinity of Christ Augustine delivered about 7,000 sermons. and our adoption through grace, on the His sermons disclose several genres: 205 nature and origin of evil, on marriage, and Enarrationes in Psalmos as conferences, 124 on freedom. tractates on the Gospel of Saint John and 10 7. December 7 and 12, 404 [Retr. 11.viii)] he tractates on the Epistle of Saint John as held a public argumentation with a exegetical commentary, and more than 540 Manichean Felix. The outcome was the popular sermons. Augustine’s Indiculum short tract De natura Bona. Felix Librorum was compiled and copies of the acknowledged defeat and became a catholic. sermons were sent to those requesting them. 8. Augustine struggled with the Manicheans Fleeing African bishops from Vandals for sixteen years of sleepless labor in brought his sermons in Europe, Italy, South- defense of the catholic faith. Gaul, and Spain. In Campania 9. Augustine wrote against heretics the tracts Quodvultdeus (+454) was the greatest Fundamenti and De Agone Christiano. advocate of Augustine’s sermons, initiating 10. He defended the faith and struggled not only even Augustine’s style of preaching. with the Manicheans but also with the Fulgentius of Ruspe (+527/533) delivered Donatist, Arians, Pagans and Pelagians. Augustine’s sermons in his letters. Augustine’s objections with the Cassiodorus (+ 580) also cited Augustine’s Manicheans:6 sermons in his letters. The spread of His criticism was directed at the major Augustine’s sermons was due to Caesarius metaphysical, moral, scriptural, and methodological of Arles (+452) who distributed Augustine’s errors that Manicheans promulgated harshly against sermons to be read in the Gallic churches. the Catholic Church. 6. His correspondence carried replies to The Donatist Controversy7 questions concerning problems on a world- The Donatist struggle unceasingly pressed wide scale. upon him for twenty years of his episcopate. The 7. He offered directions to the different African schism existed since about 311, when Caecilianus councils in which he took part: Carthage was elected bishop of Carthage. Felix of Aptunga, (398, 401, 407, 419) and Milevis (416, 418). his consecrator, was alleged to have been a traditor, 8. Augustine unceasingly fought against every i.e., given up sacred books during persecution. This sort of error. These struggles would be an vitiated his power to give valid orders. To endless task. communicate with an offender is to take part in his 5 The Manichean Controversy offense and Felix’s offense cut him off from the 1. Augustine wrote two books: “The Value of Church. Belief” and “The two souls” directed against Like Cyprian, the opponents of Caecilianus the Manichean rationalism: the human being rejected the validity of any sacrament conferred has two souls, one good and one evil, which outside the church. There are two principles are at odds with one another. involved: 2. The controversial writings of Adimantus 1. The old Cyprianic negation of the validity of attacking the Law and the Prophets. the Sacraments conferred by heretical. Augustine replied in his sermons. 2. The nullity of sacraments performed by 3. He refuted the letter of Mani known as “The unworthy ministers. foundation.” The Principal landmarks in the 4. About 400 he refuted, in thirty-three short contention were: books, a treatise by his old Manichean 1. The appeal to Constantine by the Donatists friend, Faustus, a Manichean bishop. which generated an adverse discretions of 5. Augustine wrote a book on The Nature of the councils of Rome (313( and Arles (314). the good directed against the Manicheans demonstrating that God is immutable by his

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2. The consecration of Majorinus as bishop of The Donatist controversy was a domestic Carthage in opposition to Caecilianus (311) dispute between two Christian churches on the who died in 315 and was succeeded by aspects of the nature and structure of the church. Donatus. Here were two churches, united in their acceptance of 3. Imperial persecution of the Donatists, first the Scriptures, the creed, and the sacraments, but by Constantine in 316 and then, after an profoundly divided on relevant issues concerning the attempt to bribe the Donatists into sacraments and the church. submission (340), a ruthless suppression by The Donatist agreed that baptism Constans in 347. administered in the church is the sacrament of 4. Return of the Donatist under Julian. In 361 salvation and that sacred ordination gives its recipient Julian repealed his predecessor’s measures a share in the hierarchic ministry of the church. But against the Donatist, and during his brief they made the validity of the sacraments depend on reign they exercised a violent supremacy in the ecclesial holiness of the minister. Augustine Africa. accepted as valid both the baptisms and the Augustine’s first endeavored on responding to ordinations conferred by the Donatists as brothers the Donatist by writing, “Psalm against the Donatist and sisters. Party.” It teaches the history of Donatism to illiterate Augustine taught that: people and explicates the errors of the Donatist. The sacraments of the Church are Christ’s Augustine refuted a letter of Donatus, sacraments. He instituted them; they are schismatic bishop of Carthage. He wrote a long letter administered in his name and by his authority. to the Donatist bishop of Siniti, who was accused of Because they belong to him and not to rebaptizing a catholic deacon. Around 397 he wrote Donatus they imprint a character; it is through two books entitled “Against the Donatist Party.” his merits that they are what they are. From 400 to 406, he wrote nine books as a reply to “Baptism is baptism not by the merits of those all writings emanating from the adversary: those of who administer it, but by reason of the bishops Parmenian of Carthage and Petilian of Cirta, holiness and truth it has from him who of Cresconius the grammarian, and of anonymous instituted it. Christ is the primary minister of other Donatists. Baptism. Therefore, “when Peter baptizes, it is Augustine wrote a book on the One Baptism, Christ who baptizes; when Paul baptizes, it is against Petilian. He also wrote a fundamental work: Christ who baptizes; when Judas baptizes, it is the seven books on Baptism, against the Donatists, Christ who baptizes.” For this reason the and several writings such as Proofs and Testimonies Catholic Church does not rebaptize anyone against the Donatists, against an anonymous Donatist, already baptized, no matter where or by whom. and Admonition to the Donatists regarding the It does not rebaptize lest it cancel out “the Maximinianists. inscribed name of the commander,” “the seal After being consecrated a bishop, Augustine of the king.” Rather it respects the name wrote to Proculeianus (his Donatist counterpart in inscribed, approves it, and declares it its own. Hippo), Crispinus (Donatist bishop of Calama) and It combats and seeks to remove only error and bishop Honoratus. Augustine wrote a short summary division, so that what was formerly an of the Acts of the Conference of Carthage, a lengthy occasion of condemnation may become a book written to the Donatists. In briefer form he source of salvation.” wrote a synodal letter addressed to the Donatists in St. Augustine further taught that: the name of Catholic Bishops who gathered in “The church is the mystical body of Christ, Council at Zerta on June 14, 412. and the Holy Spirit is the soul of this Augustine then addressed a book to Emeritus, body. Just as the soul gives life only to a Donatist bishop. He also wrote a handbook for those members that that are part of the Count Boniface on “The Correction of the Donatists body, so the Holy Spirit gives life only to synthesizing the history of Donatism. those who belong to the mystical body of Later, in 418 he went to Caesaria in Christ, which is the Church.” Mauretania at the request of Pope Zosimus. He The Pelagian Controversy8 spoke to the people on the unity of the Church and There are three points to consider: held public debate with Donatist bishop Emeritus. 1. Pelagius and his disciple Caelestius – In 420-21 he wrote two books against marked by calm and affirmative theological Gaudentius, Donatist bishop of Thamugadi. The exposition. response to Gaudentius marked the end of 2. Julian – marked by inflamed polemics. Augustine’s antiDonatist endeavors.

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3. The Monks of Hadrumetum and Marseilles The error of the Pelagians was their one- – marked by clarifications within the sidedness: they affirmed the goodness of nature and household of the Church. the power of freedom, but they denied the necessity Augustine’s first endeavored to write a book of redemption and the efficacy of grace. entitled “The Merits of forgiveness of sins.” It Augustine’s goal was to bring home the contains the first biblical theology of redemption and doctrine of redemption by presenting that Christ is original sin. In response to Marcellinus, he wrote essentially a redeemer, and conclude that those who “The Spirit and the Letter.” have no need of redemption do not belong to Christ. Around 415, he wrote “Nature and Grace” as Redemption is universal in scope: it has been a reply to Pelagius nature. He also wrote Perfect accomplished by Christ in behalf of all human Justice as a reply to the Definitions of Caelestius, beings, even those who are in fact lost, even Judas. disciple of Pelagius. In this Augustine’s The universality of redemption is an irrefutable anthropology, he exhibited that Christian perfection argument for the universality of the fall. can in fact never be perfect in this world, since the Redemption does not consist solely in the divine command that we love god with our whole examination of virtue that Christ has given. It is also heart is an ideal to which we aspire, not a goal we a composite of ransom, reconciliation, and liberation. actually reach. It was accomplished by the sacrifice of the cross, Pelagius was accused of heresy and tried by which was a proper, freely offered, and perfect the Synod of Diospolis, but acquitted by fourteen sacrifice. bishops of the synod. Augustine examined the acts of Augustine also accentuated on freedom and the synod. Then, he wrote a book entitled “The Acts grace. Without freedom there is no human dignity; of Pelagius” addressed to Aurelius, bishop of without grace there is no salvation. Grace does not Carthage. The condemnation followed after. The deny freedom (freedom from sin, freedom from condemnation was confirmed by Innocent’s inclination to sin, freedom from death, and freedom successor, Pope Zosimus. After the renewed from time), but is rather its source. For Augustine, condemnation, three aristocrats: Albina, Pinian, and the entire history of salvation is a history of freedom. Melania asked Augustine to write a work denouncing Other Dogmatic errors of the the deception practiced by Pelagius. Augustine wrote Pelagians9 “The Grace of Christ and original sin.” Pelagius The Council of Carthage in 411 condemned talked of grace, but he meant freedom and law. Coelestius errors on the following: Pelagius and Caelestius negated original sin. The 1. Adam was created mortal. This is a denial controversy was now marked by bitterness lasting a of the supernatural elevation of the first long time. man. Hence, there existed neither original Julian and eighteen other bishops negated to justice nor the preternatural privileges which subscribe to the “Tractoria” of Zosimus. Pope flowed from it. Boniface asked Augustine again to reply to the two 2. The sin of Adam injured himself alone, not letters/accusations. Augustine wrote four books, the human race. This is a denial of original against the two letters of the Pelagians. He also sin. wrote another book entitled “Marriage and Desire” at 3. Infants today are born in the state in which the request of Count Valerius of the Court of Adam was before his fall. This is a mixture Ravenna. This writing was the threshold of an of two errors. Death, concupiscence, etc. are endless debate. Julian wrote four books. Augustine not the result of Adam’s sin, but the original replied by writing a 2nd book to his “Marriage and condition of humanity. Desire.” 4. Adam by his death (or by his sin) does not In 421, Augustine writes a fuller and more subject the whole human race to death/ careful reply. The consequence was the six books of Christ by his resurrection does not give his work against Julian. Julian’s reply to Augustine’s anyone immortality of the body nor does He 2nd book of “Marriage and Desire” was writing four give to all life of the soul, but only those books dedicated to Florus. As a reply, Augustine who believed and are converted. wrote six books. 5. Infants who die without baptism enjoy Augustine considered Pelagianism to be a eternal life. form of arrogant naturalism. It declined original sin 6. Man can live without sin and observe the and the necessity of grace. It asserted on human commandments easily. sinlessness and autonomy before God. Hence, it stripped all meaning from the Cross of Christ and the idea of our redemption.

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Pelagianism’s Fundamental Idea:10 2Eugene Portalie, A Guide to the Thought 1. Not solely a denial of the supernatural – of Saint Augustine. With an Introduction by Pelagianism is a naturalism which excludes Vernon Bourke. Trans. By Ralph Bastian (Chicago, supernatural elevation, divine adoption, the H. Regnery, 1960), 81-88. Agostino Trape, Saint fall, all merit of a higher order, but which Augustine: man, pastor, mystic (New York: admits that the will depends on the divine Catholic Book Publishing, 1986), 333-337 government. Pelagius exaggerated the 3 Eugene Portalie, A Guide to the thought powers of freedom of choice. of St. Augustine, Intro. Bourke, Trans. Bastian 2. Basic error: absolute independence of (Chicago: H. Regnery, 1960), 20-21 human liberty in relationship to God and its 4Agostino Trape, St. Augustine: man, unlimited power for good as well as for evil. pastor, mystic (New York: Catholic Book 3. Omnipotence of free choice – this is the Publishing Co., 1986), chapter 21, 143-156. Eugene result of emancipation. The Pelagians Portalie, A Guide to the thought of St. damned for all eternity every Christian Augustine, Intro. Bourke, Trans. Bastian (Chicago: guilty of the slightest venial sin. For a lie, an H. Regnery, 1960), 22-35 esp. 22-23. See Schrama’s idle word, one ceases to be just and becomes “Prima Lectio Quae Recitata Est. The Liturgical a reprobate and a sinner, worthy of hell. Pericope in Light of St. Augustine’s Sermons” in NOTES Augustiniana, Annus 45, Fasc. 1-2 (1995), 141-168 1 The entire chapter 1 is taken from Eugene esp. 141-147. Portalie, A Guide to the Thought of Saint 5Ibid., Trape, St. Augustine, 157-182. Augustine with an introduction by Vernon Bourke. Portalie, A Guide to the thought of St. Trans. By Ralph Bastian (Chicago, H. Regnery, Augustine, esp. 23-24. Henry Chadwick, 1960). Writings of St. Augustine, entire chapter “Confessions in Augustine” in Augustine (Oxford: 1V, 39-77. Neoplatonic influences, entire chapter Oxford University Press, 1986). V1, 95-104. Eugene TeSelle, Augustine the 6Ibid. Theologian (London: Burns and Oates, 1970). 7Ibid. Portalie, A Guide to the Thought of Agostino Trape, Saint Augustine: man, pastor, St. Augustine, 24-29. Trape, St. Augustine, 183- mystic (New York: Catholic Book Publishing, 1986). 196 esp. 184-192. 8Ibid. Trape, St. Augustine, 197-210. Portalie, A Guide to the Thought of St. Augustine, esp. 29-37, 184-229. 9Ibid. Portalie, esp. 29-30. 10Ibid.

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