The Impact of St. Augustine's Life - Research Paper Example

? The Impact of St. Augustine’s Life Introduction Spiritual leaders exemplify themselves by the way they live and theway they impact the lives of others. This normally determines how they are viewed by their congregation and those who hear their word and see their deeds. Augustine’s life has not been totally perfect. He like other humans has erred in some way. However, he has had a positive impact on a number of theologians and philosophers (Smith 2008, 1). This paper looks at his life over his 76 years on earth and seeks to provide evidence that Augustine’s life can be used as an example in the preparation of spiritual leaders. 2.0 The Life of Augustine Augustine’s life dates from 354 to 430. His father (Patricius) was a pagan of Roman decent and a member of the council while his mother (Monica) on the other hand was a Christian. This indicates that he had to deal with contrasting situations very early in his life and is possibly an indication of the reason for his engagement with several religions. He grew up in humble circumstances in Thagaste which is now Souk Ahras, Algeria where he lived from 354-366. This little town was nothing compared to the centers of learning in the Roman Empire which is known for cultivating scholars (Smith 2008, 1). However, it was the place of birth of one of the most exemplary individual that graced the earth and who would later become an Archbishop. It was while living in Thagaste that he studied Greek and Latin. 2.1 Madaurus 366 - 370 He lived in Madaurus from 366-370 when he attended secondary school. He also studied Latin and Literature in Madaurus. It was during this period that he came under the influence of the doctrine of Cicero which he credited for his rather lengthy association with philosophy, psychology, human nature and religion (EGS Digital Library). 2.2 Thagaste 370 - 371 Augustine went back to Thagaste for a short while since his parents did not have the money to send him on to university. While there he was engaged in practices that were similar to his father. Although his mother dissuaded him, he persisted. This he spoke of in Book ll of Confessions. It was at this time that he engaged in telling lies, stealing and irresponsible sexual behavior. 2.3 Carthage 371 – 383 Augustine was only about 17 years of age he went to Carthage to study rhetoric at the University of Carthage. It was while there that he came under the influence of the Manichaean religion. He also met his lover of over 13 years while he resided in Carthage. This relationship resulted in a son – Adeodatus in 372. This was the woman he referred to one of his famous writings – Confessiones (which when translated to English means Confessions). After returning to his home town of Thagaste for a short while he went back to Carthage and stayed there until his departure to Rome in 383 where he sought new challenges. 2.4 Italy 383 - 387 While in Rome he suffered some disappointments. However, he left soon after left for Milan to work in the court as an orator to the emperor. He broke his relationship with his son’s mother in preparation to get married to someone else (Willis 2001, 4). Having read the Biography of St. Anthony of the Desert, he finally embraced Christianity in its totality. At this point he gave up an arranged marriage which was in the making; a promising career in rhetoric; and other privileges. In 386 he was converted to Christianity in Italy. On Easter Day in 387 he and his son was baptized by Ambrose who was tat that time a friend and bishop of Milan. He later returned to Thagaste. 2.5 Thagaste 387- 390 Augustine returned to Thagaste where he gave away his inheritance to the poor. He then turned his house into a Monastery where he prayed and studied with others of the same belief. He was later called from this life of solitude to be the priest of Hippo. 2.6 Hippo 390-430 Augustine was latter ordained as the priest of Hippo and subsequently became Bishop of Hippo Regius which is now the city of Annaba in Algeria in 395. He preached, prayed, wrote books and studied the word of God. He was the Archbishop until the time of his death in 430. Various aspects of his life both before and after his conversion have influenced a number of individuals from humble circumstances to strive to become great human beings. He is held in high regard by people of every generation (Goodier 2007, 3). 3.0 Augustine as a writer Augustine was a very productive writer. In fact, he has been described as a ‘prolific writer’ having written over 100 books (Smith 2008, 1). Of all the books that he authored he is famous for Confessiones (which when translated means Confessions); De civitate dei (which translates to On the City of God); De trinitate (which translates to On the Trinity; and De libero arbitro (which translates to On Free Will). His work on Confessions consists of 13 Books – Book l – Xlll. Writing was part of what he occupied his time with. Whenever he was not preaching, praying or reading, he was writing. One never ceases to wonder how he managed to write so many books. In Book ll he spoke of his theft of pear as well as his parents ambitions for him to become a fine orator (Dittes 1986, Willis 2001). In Book lV of Confessions, he wrote about the death of a friend (EGS Digital Library; Dittes 1986, 57) and of course he was also reminded of how he shoved his son’s mother aside. In Book Vl he displays his grief about the relationship which he shared with his son’s mother and how it ended. She was cast aside in order that Augustine and his mother – Monica’s ambition could be met. The woman was stricken with grief after spending her time with him and being dismissed in such a fashion. However, he appeared to be heedless of his son’s mother and has never mentioned her name – which suggests selfishness (Dittes 1965, 134). This selfishness was displayed by his preoccupation with the feeling of being deprived (Dittes 1965, 134). In Book Vll he addressed the issue of the worthiness of God – his incorruptibility. This is where he was successful in discovering a God, who never fails - a God who can be trusted (Dittes 1986, 58). In Book VIII Augustine deals with the submission of himself to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is when he starts to place his trust in God (Dittes 1986, 58). In Book lX he recalls the death of his son and their baptism in Milan Italy. He pointed to the fact that his son came about as a result of his sinful ways. Hs birth reminded him of an illegitimate relationship which made him uncomfortable (Dittes 1986, 60). 4.0 Augustine as a scholar Augustine had a yearning for knowledge and this led him to read many books and to study through the will of his parents and the kindness of the friends of his parents. Although he was attracted by worldly pleasures he was successful in his studies. He attended University of Carthage and in his latter years became a professor of rhetoric in Milan (Goodier 2007). This is no mean feat for someone from a little known town called Thagaste (at that time) in Algeria (Goodier 2007). He read widely and so he could engage anyone in a conversation. Hs knowledge and understanding led him to only an auditor of certain doctrines such as Cicero and Manicheism which he latter rejected when his questions about their faith could not be answered. In fact, he only embraced Manicheism because it was convenient at the time. Manicheism supported his sinful lifestyle. . 5.0 Augustine as a pagan Augustine grew up among pagans and so in his first years he displayed those characteristics - he stole, cheated, and lied (Goodier 2007). This period coincided with unhappiness. In pursuit of a good education he was sent to the city of Maduara and there he studied the pagan classics - their literature, how they lived and their standards. He was very much caught up in their way of life and therefore engaged in all worldly pleasures. In fact, he has been described as smart, imaginative, craven and careless – pursuing pleasure at all costs (Goodier 2007, 5). In his book – Confessions, he wrote of all these worldly and sinful pleasures that he had and that he really wanted to free himself from when he turned to Christianity (Pusey EGS Digital Library). The fact that his father was of the same hue was sufficient encouragement for his behavior as his mother though a Christian was mistreated and disrespected by his father. In fact this is the kind of behavior that led him into concubine in Carthage where he later went to study. It also led to the birth of his son out of wedlock. The aim at that time was not to get married and raise a family but to enjoy self. His Biography indicates that he ‘lived large and well’ (EGS Digital Library). He was addicted to various vices and returned home with the same kind of behavior. His father later became a Christian and he started to feel what poverty was like and so this was an encouragement for him to succeed at university (Goodier 2007, 6). Although he worked harder to succeed at university, this misfortune did not change his behavior as he became very popular at the University of Carthage for being highly gifted, very sensual and merry (Goodier 2007, 6). In fact, he was seen as a careless lover who had no inhibitions about making his feelings known to other students (Goodier 2007, 7). He studied various doctrines such as that of Cicero and later Manichee. The doctrine of Manichee held him for a while as it indicates that good and evil could co-exist and so Augustine was happy to know that it was not possible to resist sin. Augustine accepted the doctrine of the Manichees as it blended well with his lifestyle (Goodier 2007, 7). He left Carthage, his faithful lover, and his mother and went to Rome where he became ill and was dependent on charity. At this point the very behavior that he was well known for was seen as vulgar when displayed by others in Rome (Goodier 2007, 8). He was therefore humbled by his circumstances as he was forced to reflect on his past. After this lack luster period of his life he was offered a position as a professor. He sought Ambrose – the master of rhetoric who later became his friend. While there he was caught up with the ideals of great men of Milan who noticed him. The ideals at the time were to dismiss his previous lover who bore him a son and get married to someone else and he would then be respected. At this time he thought that it was impossible for him not to sin as it was a very natural thing to do. 6.0 Augustine and Marriage Augustine never seemed to be preoccupied with marriage. He was also concerned that this did not matter much to his parents. Augustine made mention of their encouragement in his pursuit as an orator but not in getting married (Dittes 1965). It was clear that the family was not serious about marriage although his mother wanted him to remain chaste until that time. Marriage was just for convenience as both Augustine and his mother together dismissed the faithfulness that his son’s mother displayed in their relationship. She like him was more concerned about worldly goods and living according to the standards that were idealized in Italy. It did not matter much to them how they hurt his son’s mother. Even though he testified about it his selfishness made it appear as if he was one of the problems he had as a result of his sins. Although this was very mean and low behavior at is clear that he wanted to live for the Lord Jesus Christ when he gave up a marriage that was being arranged for him. The mention of this woman’s (his son’s mother) grief was a sign that he was indeed sorry for the grief he caused her. This was clear even as his selfishness was obvious. What this shows however, is that even after accepting Christ we tend to continue in sin even in some ‘seemingly small ways.’ This is what makes us human. 7.0 Augustine’s journey to Christianity With the death of his father after his conversion to Christianity; his sojourn with poverty; and his mother’s unrelenting prayers and encouragement, he was fully immersed into Christianity. Augustine wrote about being weary of devouring time and allowing time to devour him (Goodier 2007). He had not listened to Ambrose but was happy when Ambrose made mention of his mother’s Christianity; he therefore sought the help of Simplicianus who humored him and pointed out how noble it was to be a Christian Goodier 2007) . Simplicianus used St. Antony and his followers as an example to show Augustine that it was possible for him to surrender to all even though they were not as educated (Goodier 2007). While in his garden he cried bitterly until the ground where he laid became wet with tears (Goodier 2007). He asked of himself how much longer he could continue his evil ways (Goodier 2007). It was while in his garden that he heard a child singing the words – “Take up and read, take up and read” at which time he reached for the Epistle of St. Paul which he had with him in the Garden (Goodier 2007). At random he opened it on Romans 13: 12 – 14 which indicated to him that the day when he would turn from darkness to light and conduct himself in an honorable way. This way involved embracing the Lord Jesus Christ as savior by not making any provisions to return to the evil ways of darkness (Goodier 2007). It was at this time that he decided to take up the mantle and devote himself to a life of Christianity. This was symbolic as it was at the feet of his mother that he surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ (Goodier 2007). He also did the same at Ambrose’s feet. He celebrated his victory from sin and the grave when he read Psalm 116: 7; Psalm 35: 10; and Psalm 19: 4 all of which are powerful Psalms. Augustine continued his work as a professor in Milan. He appeared to be affected by all this change as his health was waning and so he decided to retire. While still half-pagan he longed to be alone (Goodier 2007). Although he no longer lectured in Milan he continued to teach. While at his new abode he taught the characteristics and features of himself that made him a good person. He also taught about nature in his preparation for the great things of the future (Goodier 2007). On his trip back to his homeland he stopped at Ostia. It was there while conversing with his mother that he had a vision of God. His mother died on this trip and he returned to Thagaste alone after a brief stop in Carthage (Goodier 2007). He quickly began to make changes to his way of life in the same manner that he read and heard that other had done. 8.0 Augustine as a Christian On his return to Thagaste the city of his birth Augustine gave all the things that he inherited to the poor and turned his house into a monastery. Along with friends he prayed to God and studied his word. However, his wish to remain this way was short lived as he was later ordained as a priest and sent to Hippo to begin a new career. He later became the Bishop after he could not go unnoticed. He engaged in a lot of writing and preaching as he worked tirelessly for the Lord Jesus Christ. 9.0 Augustine as Saint St. Augustine never gave up the fight as others before him had done. He searched for a fail-safe God and found the Lord Jesus Christ. He brought other to reject other doctrines including Manicheism for Christianity. His past haunted him and he suppressed the temptation of going back to his old ways by working continuously. He was preaching, writing, praying or winning souls for Christ (Goodier 2007). His only rest was reading and in so doing he allowed his nature to be held in check (Goodier 2007). He was still affectionate as he had many friends. However, these friendships were not associated with his past ways of lusting after the flesh, sex, greed and drunkenness. While serving as Archbishop he encouraged his brothers to do good by practicing what they preached – by praying for those who do not support their cause while offering them correction. He is known for these words – ‘You have made us Lord, for yourself, and our heart shall find no rest till it rests in you” (Goodier 2007, 19). In fact, this is described as a vivid portrayal of his quest to follow the Lord Jesus Christ (Dittes 1986, 57). His commitment to love God was seen in his quotation of Mathew 111, 8 – to love God with his whole heart, mind and soul. He found rest in the Lord. However, he complained of not having enough time to pray. He gave up the ghost after being betrayed by the Roman Emperor. 10.0 Conclusion Augustine certainly had a positive impact on people’s lives. His life showed a level of progression as he sojourned from paganism to Christianity. He showed the world that anyone can be saved as long as there was a willingness to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. He also showed that if one was left idle it was possible to return to old and sinful ways. The people wanted to hear Augustine preach so much that he had to dismiss them so that they could have their meals. It was very clear that the words he preached represented food for the audiences he engaged. He was indeed a changed man and sought to remain that way by doing what he thought necessary to ensure that his nature did not overtake his desire to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Although, he turned his back on a woman who was faithful to him and bore him a son, it was important at this point in his life that he removed himself from all things that were of the flesh. If he had not given his life then he would have been married – though to someone else as this was the ideal thing to do in Rome where he was at the time. This was part of being successful but he gave that up as well in service to Christ. St. Augustine was successful in his work for the Lord and the people saw that he was a changed man and brought him out of a life of solitude to be priest of Hippo where he later became Archbishop. He brought a number of people including some opposed to the doctrine of Christianity to Christ. What more can we ask for. Augustine is the perfect example of a life with a purpose – having been brought from sin when he fell at the feet of his dear mother who never stopped praying for that change which finally came to fruition just before her departure from this life. The power of prayer and the work of the Lord Jesus Christ have been revealed through him. His example is a life of sacrifice in service to the Lord and this he did with humility and graciousness. He knew that it was possible to walk back down the dark road to destruction and he devised a strategy that would prevent that very possible episode from taking place. Augustine really laid down his life for the Lord Jesus Christ and as a perfect example to those who would come after him. There is no doubt that he is fit to be a mentor for philosophers, theologians and those who seek Christianity. Augustine’s testimonies in his Confessions are proof that he was really serous about his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Each book represents one or more testimonies of his life both before and after he accepted Christ. Testimonies are a normal part sharing what God has done – where God brought him from to where he was at the time of his acceptance of the Christian faith. References Dittes, James E. Continuities between the Life and Though of Augustine. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Vol. 5, Bo. 1 (Autumn, 1965): 130 – 140. Dittes, James E. Augustine: Search for a Fail-Safe God to Trust. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Vol. 25, No.1 (March 1986): 57 - 63 Goodier. Alban. Saints for Sinners: Nine Desolate Souls Made Strong by God. (2007). New Hampshire, Sophia Institute Press Pusey, Edward Bouverie, trans. The Confessions of St. Augustine. European Graduate School Digital Library. http://www.egs.edu/library/augustine-of-hippo/articles/the-confessions-of-st-augustine/ [accessed October 2, 2012] EGS Digital Library. Augustine of Hippo: Biography. European Graduate School Digital Library. http://www.egs.edu/library/augustine-of-hippo/biography/ [accessed September 28, 2012) . Smith, Edward L. Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders. (2008). Nashville, Tennessee: B & H Publishing Group Wills, Gary. St. Augustine’s Childhood: Confessiones Book One. 2001. New York: Penguin Putnam Inc Read More