Augustine of Human Nature

• What is human nature according to the study material?

  The set of dispositions humans are born with
• What question does the study material raise about human nature?

  Whether such a nature exists and what it is like
• Who theorizes about human nature besides theologians and philosophers?

  Psychologists, sociologists, and biologists
• What does Augustine claim about human nature?

  It is corrupted by original sin
• What led Augustine to contemplate the origin of sin?

  His observations of himself and others
• What does Augustine believe about humanity's predisposition to sin?

  Humans have a natural predisposition to sin
• What does Augustine refer to as the source of humanity's blame for sin?

  The Genesis story
• What was the state of the garden of Eden according to Augustine?

  It was a perfect place
• What command did God give to Adam and Eve?

  To go forth and multiply
• How did Augustine view the act of sex before the fall?

  As a purely rational act
• What punishment did God impose on Eve after the fall?

  She would have pain in childbirth
• What does Augustine claim about human nature after the fall?

  It is corrupted by a tendency to do evil
• What does Augustine mean by 'massa damnata'?

  The mass of the damned
• What are the two types of love according to Augustine?

  Cupiditas and Caritas
• What does Cupiditas represent?

  Love of earthly impermanent things
• What is Concupiscence in Augustine's teachings?

  When bodily desire overpowers reason
• What does Pelagius argue about the inclination towards evil?

  It is due to upbringing, not human nature
• What do geneticists claim about the fall?

  All humanity could not have descended from two people
• What is Augustine's biological understanding of reproduction criticized for?

  Being based on the homunculus theory
• How does Pelagius describe the habit of doing wrong?

  As a long habit that holds us in bondage
• What does Martin Luther King suggest about moral progress?

  The arc of the moral universe bends towards justice
• What does Augustine's exclusivism claim about faith in Jesus?

  It is only possible with God's help
• What does grace do according to Augustine?

  It saves humans and allows them into heaven
• What is double predestination in Augustine's view?

  Heaven is predestined for some, hell for others
• What does Pelagius argue about punishment for original sin?

  It is unjust to punish for Adam's actions
• How does Augustine justify predestination?

  It follows logically from original sin and grace
• What does Augustine say about God's judgment?

  It is inscrutable and just
• What is Pelagius' view on moral action?

  Humans must be capable of moral goodness
• What does Augustine argue about the source of good actions?

  They come from God's grace, not free will
• How does Pelagius view divine help?

  It assists human will in choosing good
• What does Augustine claim about love and good actions?

  Love is a gift from God
• What does Pelagius argue about human praise for good actions?

  Humans should be praised for their choices
• How does Augustine respond to Pelagius' view of free will?

  He argues it lacks theological credibility
• What does Augustine say about divine help?

  It involves God directly intervening in our will
• What is the significance of the phrase 'in the loins of Adam'?

  It means all future generations inherit original sin
• What does Augustine argue about the relationship between love and good actions?

  Without love, we cannot do good
• How does Augustine view the concept of omnibenevolence in relation to suffering?

  It seems contradictory to suggest suffering is deserved
• What does Augustine suggest about God's reasons for allowing suffering?

  They are beyond human understanding
• What does Pelagius argue about God's commands?

  They imply humans can obey them
• What does Pelagius conclude about the ability to do good?

  It is a result of free will