Speaking about Saint Augustine, we should first mention that he lived in the most crucial period of Christianity. Emperor Constantine gave liberty of worship to Christians and in 325 basic Christian doctrines were defined, it should be taken into account that any other interpretations of the bible were declared heretical. Saint Augustine was one of the most influential figures of that period.
Being one of the most educated men of that period Saint Augustine took great interest in Greek philosophy and in particular in Neo-Platonism. Despite the fact that he did not agree with some theories and ideas of Neo-Platonism Saint Augustine used its doctrine about the ultimate knowledge, according to which the essence of knowledge lies in the mystical intuition of the so-called “Supreme Reality” that only very few people can see. Even after his conversion into Christianity in 388, the influence of Neo-Platonic teaching was still very noticeable in him.
Being a very talented writer Saint Augustine applied his knowledge of Greek philosophy to the study of the Holy Scriptures. His first treatise, which was called “Confessions”, abounds in autobiographical details but it is a eulogy of God. In this work, Saint Augustine declares his dedication and love for God.
Another work by Saint Augustine “The City of God” represents some kind of justification or theodicy of God’s ways to human beings. Among his famous works we may also single out “On the Nature of God”, “On Free Will”, and “On the Immortality of Soul.”
According to Saint Augustines writings (naturally, he derived his ideas from the Bible) God is a benevolent and all-powerful creator of the universe and all living creatures. He believed that human beings were created just “a little lower” than angels” They were given free will and thus they could choose between good and evil. Adam fell from Gods favor because he chose evil but nevertheless, humanity has a chance of salvation and it is through the union with Gods Son, Jesus Christ, who takes the burden of the original sin, but people must follow his examples, like for instance his respect and obedience to the Ten Commandments. From Saint Augustine’s point of view, a person can become enlightened or learn the truth only through faith in God, in other words, faith always precedes understanding. Augustine says that it is false pride of people, who claim to know God and that these people are in error. It is only when God’s will enlightens the mind can learn the truth. In his writings, Saint Augustine says that every person is destined either to salvation or to damnation and thus salvation is some kind of a gift, granted only to the chosen ones, but nonetheless, it does not mean that people should not seek Gods grace or follow his commandments. Therefore, we may see some kind of contradiction in Saint Augustine’s theological views. He maintains that every human being is predestined but at the same time he says that every person is endowed with free will and a right to choose between good and evil.
Thus, we may arrive at the conclusion that Saint Augustine was one of the most prominent figures in the history of medieval philosophy and theology, who had an extremely immense influence upon later philosophers and theologians. His works and ideas remain very tangible in the modern Christian church.