St Augustine's Philosophy [ Understanding the Self ]

Summary

In this philosophical discourse, Saint Augustine of Hippo's teachings are explored, emphasizing the inherent goodness in humanity as created by God. Despite losing this goodness through alienation from God, Augustine suggests three ways to reconnect: redirecting disordered love towards God, managing expectations of what life and others can provide, and recognizing our lack of self-sufficiency. These methods encourage humility, forgiveness, and reliance on God for ultimate fulfillment.

Takeaways

• 😇 Saint Augustine of Hippo is a prominent figure in philosophy and theology, known for his transformation from a sinner to a saint.
• 📜 In his autobiography, Augustine confesses his sinful past and emphasizes the importance of sexual morality.
• 🌟 Augustine believed that humans are inherently good because they are created by God, the absolute good.
• 🧐 He asserts that every person, regardless of their perceived uselessness or stupidity, possesses inherent goodness.
• 🔍 Augustine describes human life as a moral quest to restore the relationship with God, who has pre-ordained a role for each person.
• 💔 The loss of this goodness and connection with God leads to a restless heart, which can only find peace in reconnecting with God.
• 🛑 Augustine suggests three ways to reconnect with God: correcting disordered love, managing expectations, and recognizing our lack of self-sufficiency.
• ❤️ The first way is to redirect our love from fleeting things to the ultimate love of God.
• 🚫 The second way is to avoid setting unrealistic expectations on things that cannot meet them, which is a common source of heartache.
• 🙏 The third way is to acknowledge our limitations and rely on God, rather than believing in our own self-sufficiency.
• 🔑 Free will plays a crucial role in choosing to reconnect with God, but achieving this requires God's grace.

Q & A

Who is Saint Augustine of Hippo?

Saint Augustine of Hippo was a philosopher and theologian who is considered a saint in the Christian tradition. He is known for his writings, including his autobiography, where he confessed his past sins and his journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

What did Saint Augustine believe about human nature?

Saint Augustine believed that human beings are inherently good because they are created by God, who is the absolute good. Despite the inherent goodness, humans can stray from their moral path due to sin and alienation from God.

What is the concept of 'disordered love' as described by Saint Augustine?

Disordered love refers to the misplaced devotion or attachment to things that are fleeting and cannot provide true fulfillment. Saint Augustine argued that people often worship things like money, beauty, or power, which lead to insecurity and unhappiness.

What does Saint Augustine suggest as the first way to reconnect with God?

The first way to reconnect with God, according to Saint Augustine, is by correcting and redirecting disordered love into the ultimate love of God.

How does Saint Augustine define the second way to reconnect with God?

The second way to reconnect with God is by not expecting too much from things which, by their nature, cannot provide what we seek. This involves managing our expectations and understanding the limitations of worldly things.

What is the third way Saint Augustine proposes to reconnect with God?

The third way to reconnect with God is by realizing that we are not self-sufficient and acknowledging our need for God. This involves humility and recognizing our limitations as human beings.

Why does Saint Augustine say our hearts can become restless?

Saint Augustine suggests that our hearts become restless because we often seek fulfillment in things that are temporary or cannot truly satisfy our spiritual needs, leading to a constant quest for something more.

What role does free will play in Saint Augustine's philosophy regarding our relationship with God?

Free will is central to Saint Augustine's philosophy. It allows individuals to choose whether to turn towards God or away from Him. However, reconnecting with God also requires God's grace, as humans do not possess the spiritual power to do good on their own.

How does Saint Augustine view the concept of sin?

Saint Augustine views sin as a deviation from God's path, causing humans to become incomplete and lacking true happiness. It is a state of alienation from God, and the moral quest is to restore the relationship with the Creator.

What does Saint Augustine mean when he says that humans were created to fulfill a pre-ordained role?

Saint Augustine suggests that every human being has a unique purpose and role in God's world, reflecting the nature of God Himself. This implies that humans have intrinsic value and a divinely assigned mission.

What is the significance of the quote 'Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you' by Saint Augustine?

This quote emphasizes the idea that humans are inherently designed for a relationship with God, and true peace and fulfillment can only be found in that connection. It underscores the human quest for meaning and the ultimate satisfaction found in God.