Augustine Presentation for SW1

The Political Writings of St.Augustine: 

The Political Writings of St.Augustine A Topical Synopsis in Symbolism Meg Gilbert Ethan Marek Ben Rieke Sydney Singleterry

Just War: 

Just War Choice between the greater and lesser evils of society “Given this tragic aspect of human life, any truly wise person will lament the fact that he is made to wage just wars against an aggressor.” [Augustine pg. 66] War is only utilized as a last resort when all other peaceful options have been exhausted The flame symbolizes purification and destruction of impurities, as a just war purifies society

Power: 

Power The ultimate authority of the Roman military. The virtue of arete as an expression of physical excellence “ Therefore let not the power of executing vengeance inspire you with harshness, seeing that the necessity of examining the criminals did not make you lay aside your clemency. Do not call for the executioner now when the crime has been found out, after having forborne from calling in the tormentor when you were finding it out.” [Augustine pg.68] Roman Empire was militaristic and participated in violent conquest before the church’s influence Emphasis on moral strength and self-discipline after church’s influence

The Church: 

The Church The church prior to its acceptance into public Roman practice was misunderstood and heavily discriminated against After the integration of the church into Roman society, the church flourished and became a major political and social influence “Something other than the death penalty, both on account of our consciousness and in order to set an example of Catholic gentleness.” [Augustine pg. 67]

The Genesis of the Roman Catholic Church: 

The Genesis of the Roman Catholic Church Augustine was a major proponent of the Christianization of Rome “Now, at the moment it may seem to some of us…that this is inappropriate…however, when the emotions have calmed down, the goodness of this will become transparently and conspicuously clear ; and therefore much greater delight will be aroused... ” [ Ausgustine pg. 70] Changes the zeitgeist of Roman culture Utilization of non-violent, creative retaliation

Summary: 

Summary What is the good life? A life lived in accordance with Christian doctrine, and Biblical truth “who would dare say that the Apostles words ‘Do you not know that the foreberance of god is leading you to repentance’(Rom. 2.4)” [Augustine pg. 75] The authors view of the good life diverges from other philosophers in that he has a religious view of the good life not a secular view Biblical teachings influence society. Contemporary society is more like Roman society, in which case Augustinian truths are still applicable What are Augustine's moral intuitions Harm and Care Purity and Sanctity “We read the apostle Paul said, “you said…that you did not wield the sword without reason, and you are ministers of God.”[Augustine pg. 64]

Summary: 

Summary How do Romans perceive the good life? Romans are concerned with the virtue of personal excellence ( arete ), and desire military domination and political strength “for he told us-it is agreed- to return to no one evil for evil to offer the other cheek to an assailant to give our cloak to someone who demands a tunic…and to go twice the required distance.” [Augustine pg. 29] So, how do we live an Augustinian life today? Remember the activity in class where modern day examples were presented Creative, non-violent actions based in biblical or Christian understanding

Details from the Panels: 

Details from the Panels

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Just War

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The central thematic symbol of this panel is the flame, which is destructive and potential violent, but is a purifying force when applied with control

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Augustine sees the war as having a place as a means of peace when other options have failed

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Roman soldiers fighting in their wars may not be exercising Biblical restraint. The soldier does have a place in God’s creation, however

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The duality of peace and war. Not necessarily separate ideals, according to Augustine

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Christianity must guide decisions about war

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The Church

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The Crown of Thorns shows the power of Christ in the Church, but this power is not oppressive or based out of forceful superiority

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A common misconception of the early church is that it engaged in cannibalism. This stemmed from the symbolic practice of communion, in which bread and wine represent Christ’s flesh and blood.

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The concept of the Christian soldier was of great concern to the Roman state. They were seen as being more committed to church than to state

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Initially, those of the church were seen as second class citizens to be avoided. Augustine precipitated change via his influence

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Power

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The sword is a sign of Christian power. It can be used exactingly, and can stand as a warning, as in the story of the Garden of Eden

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Roman power consisted of strong, demonstrative armies

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Emperors of Rome often considered themselves demigods, whose status superseded the beliefs of the people

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This cardinal rose- esque symbol stands for the far flung boundaries of the empire. It was geographically massive; a testament to power in conquest.

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Mars is the ‘macho’ god of war. Pillars indicate the solidarity of Rome and its ideals. The war trophy collection is the pride of Roman conquest.

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The Genesis of the Church

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Unitarian symbol representing the confluence of just war, power, and the church

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Christ is anathema to Roman culture. He supplants himself for the betterment of the whole

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The pantheon, which acknowledges the polytheistic traditions of Rome, stands in opposition to the solitary, true Christ

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Crucifixion instead of retaliation; a symbol of mercy and peace amidst conquest and tyranny

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Christ as the way of all aspects of life. Augustine sees the potential of the church as a social and political entity

Acknowledgements: 

Acknowledgements Bean, Lydia. "From the Foundations." Rec. 2006. Come on Home . Lydia Bean. Prod. 2006. MP3. Paolucci , Henry, and Dino Bigongiari . The Political Writings of St. Augustine . Washington, D.C.: Regnery Pub., 1962. Print.

Questions?: 

Questions?