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The Christian Church has many outstanding figures and saints that contributed to its development in various periods by creating the theological basis for its existence and further evolution. However, St. Augustine of Hippo can be considered one of the most prominent persons whose works, sermons, and writings contributed to the consolidation of the church and its further growth. Today, he is recognized by all branches of Christianity because of his contribution to the development of religion. In his works on Rebuke and Grace, on Grace and Free Choice, he offers the basic assumptions of the Church regarding the law, free will, and grace. These ideas later became the ground for the empowerment of Catholicism and its important role in the world.
St. Augustine was born in northern Africa in a family with mixed beliefs. At the early stages of his spiritual development he tried to find satisfaction in other religions or philosophies; however, he soon joined the Catholic Church as it was the only thing that interested him (Saint Augustine, 1961).
As a mature theologian, Augustine introduced multiple concepts. The first one stated that human beings consisted of several levels such as knowledge, love, and action (Saint Augustine, 1961). At the same time, every individual faces an ethical dilemma about the nature of things and their behaviors. It is critical to distinguish between good and evil acts (Saint Augustine, 1961). Augustine also follows the idea of the original sin stating that all people are broken, and they should struggle with evil to save their souls.
There are also many thoughts about grace. St. Augustine states that Heaven is not attainable without grace as it is beyond our abilities, and our broken nature does not allow God to help us to arrive there (St. Augustine of Hippo, n.d.).
For this reason, all human beings need grace as it is the only way to achieve heaven (St. Augustine of Hippo, n.d.). It also means that there is a place for a free choice. In accordance with the existing theological background, Gods commandments presuppose human freedom (Augustine, 2010). People should be willing to follow directions and laws that are offered by the Church, however, it is only their decision whether to obey or not. In such a way, religion and the concept of grace do not limit peoples ability to act in ways they want. On the contrary, to achieve heaven, individuals should enjoy grace by making their free choices.
St. Augustines writing on Rebuke and Grace is also devoted to the issue of will, heaven, and nature of actions. The author wants to explain the idea that the grace of God is the only thing that delivers individuals from evil (St. Augustine of Hippo, 2015). Without it, they will not be able to do good, and Heaven will be closed for them forever. At the same time, Augustine states that rebuke of an evil man is possible only if God decides that it is an appropriate time for it; otherwise, it is neither unjust nor useless (St. Augustine of Hippo, 2015). For this reason, this issue becomes an important element of faith.
Altogether, St. Augustine created the theoretical background for the further development of the Catholic church and multiple debates about the nature of grace, evil, freedom of choice, will, and rebuke. His works became fundamental for the religion as they contributed to the consolidation of the church and its becoming a leading power in the world. In his teachings, he explains that all human beings can achieve Heaven, but they should be ready to follow God and understand his will.
References
Augustine. (2010). On the free choice of the will, on grace and free choice, and other writings. (P. King, Trans.). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
Saint Augustine. (1961). Confessions. New York, NY: Penguin Classics.
St. Augustine of Hippo. (n.d.). On grace and free will. Web.
St. Augustine of Hippo. (2015). On rebuke and grace. New York, NY: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
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