Saint Augustine Essay - 1445 Words

Many consider Saint Augustine of Hippo a main figure in the development of orthodox Christian doctrine during the early Christian Church. Augustine was born in Northern Africa in AD 354. His father was a pagan and his mother a Christian. Though his parents were not extremely well to do, they had enough money to allow Augustine to obtain an education in the liberal arts. This education will eventually affect how he sees Christianity, especially concerning the use of neo-Platonic ideas in Christian theology. Augustine converted to orthodox Christianity late in life. He struggled with the many earthly things he needed to give up for a complete conversion of body, mind, and soul. It is in Confessions that Augustine shows the world†¦show more content†¦It was during this time that Augustine discovered the appealing ideas that Christianity had to offer. The most appealing idea of Christianity to Augustine was that it allowed for a logical view of God, as well having a certain amount of mystery. In Confessions, Augustine continually discusses the importance of his education in the liberal art as an important aspect of his understanding of Christianity. Using logic, Augustine understood the Christian ideas of sin, evil, and Gods relationship to humanity and all creation. He believes it is a mans natural state to want to be near God spiritually, yet in their weak state of flesh, they often move away from the one thing they yearn for most, which is God. Augustine says of this, Â…to praise you [God] is the desire of man, a little piece of your creation. You stir man to take pleasure in praising you, because you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you. Since the idea of logic in religion was appealing for Augustine, it opened the door for the use of pagan philosophical ideals to enter Christian doctrine. Augustine was especially interested in the Platonist and Neo-Platonists views on God. Throughout Confessions, Augustine uses many of these philosophical views to show that Christian ideals are indeed logical. He foundShow MoreRelated Saint Augustine Essay1621 Words   |  7 PagesSaint Augustine Saint Augustine (354-430 AD), also known as Augustine of Hippo created an image of himself through his writings and teachings. He was born in Tagaste, a town in North Africa, on November 13, 354 AD. He was born into a middle class family. Patricius, his father, was a pagan, but later converted to Christianity because of his wife, Monica, was a devout Christian. Augustine’s mother, who was devoted to the Roman Catholic church, constantly tried for her sons conversion. AugustineRead MoreSaint Augustine s Life Of Augustine1679 Words   |  7 PagesSaint Augustine The Life of Augustine Augustine was born in North Africa in AD 354 in the city of Thagaste. 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He was born in 354 to AD. in North Africa to a devout Christian mother and non-Christian, Pagen father. Although his mother raised him as a Christian, he spent the first half of his life trying to find fault within his mothers religion. He wrote Confessions when he was