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Augustine and the Fall of Rome

Augustine and the Fall of Rome . A Church on the Move. St Augustine. Augustine, born 354, convert from paganism; Bishop of Hippo, North Africa, 395-430 Much of our current theology stems from Augustine. . Augustine on Sacraments.

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Augustine and the Fall of Rome

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  1. Augustine and the Fall of Rome A Church on the Move

  2. St Augustine • Augustine, born 354, convert from paganism; Bishop of Hippo, North Africa, 395-430 • Much of our current theology stems from Augustine.

  3. Augustine on Sacraments • “an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace” • The sacrament “sanctifies” – makes holy – because it is efficacious – produces the intended effect • However, it isn’t until the Middle Ages that we get definitions of matter and form. But, Augustine lays the groundwork.

  4. Human Nature • Augustine believed in the unity of the Body and the Soul. But, after the Fall, the body was thrown into disorder. • What is the soul? How might the body and the soul be in conflict? • The Fall has placed man in the world of Evil. ALL HUMAN DESIRE is toward evil! He saw humanity chained to sin, unable to do any good on its own. • What do you think is Augustine’s solution for Humanities problem? • The Incarnation changes everything! Jesus atones for our sins, and makes it possible to do desire and focus on the good again. • What does it mean to “Atone” for our sins?

  5. The Fall of Rome: 476 CE • Rome is no longer in real control over Western Europe. • By the 300’s, Constantine had created a new capital in Byzantium; emperors here remain in power for a while longer. • Rome didn’t fall in one catastrophic event, but over centuries. • The primary causes: masses of barbarians overflowed the northern and eastern borders; political and economic instability

  6. The Role of the Church after the Fall of Rome • There is a power vacuum after Rome falls. • There are few leaders, little political organization. This left thousands without the economic and political leadership necessary. • How might the church have filled the gap? • Church infrastructure: communication, hierarchy, education, tithing, and power. • The Church is in the position to lead in all walks of life: political, economic, and militarily. • For Example: Pope Leo the Great met Attila the Hun in 452, and persuaded him to turn back from his invasion of Italy.

  7. PROS AND CONS?

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