Augustine and Original Sin

Question 1

St Augustine

Answer 1

Early Christian and philosopher whose writings influenced the development of western Christianity. Among his important works are The City of God and The Confessions.

Question 2

Genesis

Answer 2

The first book of the Old Testament dealing with the creation and the fall of man.

Question 3

The Confessions

Answer 3

The Confessions is the name of an autobiographical work, consisting of 13 books, by St. Augustine, written in Latin between AD 397 and 400.

Question 4

The City of God

Answer 4

The City of God is a book of Christian philosophy written in Latin by Augustine in the early 5th century AD. The book was in response to allegations that Christianity brought about the decline of Rome and is considered one of Augustine’s most important works.

Question 5

Human Nature

Answer 5

The general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioural traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans.

Question 6

The Doctrine of the Fall

Answer 6

The belief that when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they ‘fell’ from perfection and brought evil into a perfect world.

Question 7

Rational Action

Answer 7

Acting in accordance with reason and logic.

Question 8

Original Sin

Answer 8

Original sin is an Augustine Christian Doctrine that says that everyone is born sinful. This means that they are born with a built-in urge to do bad things and to disobey God.

Question 9

Temptation

Answer 9

In the context of Genesis temptation is the human inclination to sin.

Question 10

Concupiscence

Answer 10

A strong (often sexual) desire.

Question 11

God’s Grace

Answer 11

The free and unmerited favour of God.

Question 12

Summum Bonum

Answer 12

A Latin expression meaning ‘the highest good’.