Episode 1461: City of God - St. Augustine - Book 5 - The nature of evil

Book 5: Augustine discusses the nature of evil and argues that it arises from the free will of rational beings.
In Book 5 of Augustine's "City of God," Augustine delves into a discussion of the nature of evil and presents an argument that it arises from the free will of rational beings. Here's an overview of the main themes and arguments in Book 5:Show more

Introduction to the Problem of Evil: Augustine begins by acknowledging the existence of evil and suffering in the world. He poses the fundamental question of how a world created by an all-good and all-powerful God can contain evil. Augustine sets out to address this theological and philosophical dilemma.
Here are more details about the introduction to the problem of evil:

Existence of Evil: Augustine acknowledges the undeniable presence of evil and suffering in the world. He recognizes that human beings and the entire creation experience various forms of suffering, pain, moral wrongdoing, and injustices. This leads him to pose a fundamental question: How can a world created by an all-good and all-powerful God contain evil?

Theological Dilemma: Augustine's exploration of the problem of evil is rooted in his theological inquiries. He grapples with the apparent contradiction between the existence of evil and the traditional attributes ascribed to God, particularly His omnibenevolence (all-goodness) and omnipotence (all-powerfulness). The problem of evil raises questions about whether an all-good God would allow or permit evil to exist.

Philosophical Inquiry: Augustine's treatment of the problem of evil also has philosophical dimensions. He engages with philosophical inquiries about the nature of evil, its origins, and its compatibility with the concept of a perfectly good and all-powerful deity. This philosophical aspect of the problem of evil touches on issues of ethics, metaphysics, and human nature.

Theodicy: Augustine's discussion of the problem of evil can be seen as a form of theodicy—a theological and philosophical attempt to reconcile the existence of evil with the existence of God. He seeks to provide an explanation or justification for why God, despite being all-good and all-powerful, allows evil to exist in the world.

The Role of Free Will: Augustine foreshadows his argument that evil arises from the free will of rational beings. He suggests that the existence of free will is intimately connected to the problem of evil. Augustine believes that God endowed humans with free will, which grants them the ability to make choices, including the choice to commit moral wrongs.

Complexity of the Problem: Augustine acknowledges the complexity of the problem of evil and the limitations of human understanding. He recognizes that the issue is not easily resolved and that it requires deep theological and philosophical reflection.

Overall, the introduction to the problem of evil in Book 5 sets the stage for Augustine's subsequent exploration of the nature of evil, its relationship with free will, and his theological and philosophical response to the challenge it poses to traditional beliefs about God. Augustine's treatment of this problem is a significant and enduring aspect of his work, contributing to the broader discussions of theology, philosophy, and ethics in the City of God.

The Role of Free Will: Augustine argues that evil arises from the free will of rational beings, particularly human beings. He contends that God created humans with the gift of free will, endowing them with the ability to make choices and decisions independently. It is through the exercise of free will that moral agents can choose to do good or evil.
Here are more details about the role of free will in Augustine's discussion:

Gift of Free Will: Augustine emphasizes that free will is a gift from God. He believes that God created humans with the capacity for rational thought and the ability to make choices independently. Free will is the capacity to make moral decisions and act according to one's own choices.

Moral Responsibility: Augustine contends that free will is essential for moral responsibility. Without free will, humans would be mere automatons, incapable of choosing between good and evil. The ability to make choices and bear moral responsibility for those choices is what distinguishes rational beings from non-rational entities.

The Possibility of Evil: Augustine argues that evil is not the result of a flaw or imperfection in God's creation. Instead, he asserts that evil arises when rational beings misuse their free will by choosing to turn away from God, who is the ultimate source of all good. Evil, according to Augustine, is a consequence of the improper exercise of free will.

Original Sin: Augustine introduces the concept of original sin, which he believes has affected all of humanity due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He argues that the consequences of original sin include a corrupted human nature, a tendency toward moral weakness, and a proclivity toward sinful actions. Original sin, in Augustine's view, has disrupted the proper use of free will.

The Moral Dilemma: Augustine grapples with the moral dilemma posed by free will and the existence of evil. He acknowledges that God, in His wisdom, allows humans to misuse their free will and commit evil actions. Augustine suggests that God's permissive will in allowing evil to exist serves a greater purpose related to moral accountability and the possibility of genuine love.

Divine Grace and Redemption: Augustine introduces the concept of divine grace, which is necessary for overcoming the effects of evil and sin. He argues that redemption and moral transformation can only occur through God's grace, which empowers individuals to align their free will with God's divine will. Divine grace plays a pivotal role in healing and restoring the corrupted human will.

Theological and Philosophical Implications: Augustine's discussion of free will and its connection to evil has profound theological and philosophical implications. It raises questions about God's sovereignty, human agency, and the problem of evil. Augustine's theodicy attempts to reconcile the existence of evil with the existence of an all-good and all-powerful God.

Overall, Augustine's exploration of the role of free will in Book 5 contributes to his broader examination of the problem of evil and the conflicting destinies of the two cities—the earthly city and the city of God—in the City of God. His theological and philosophical insights continue to be influential in discussions about free will, moral responsibility, and theodicy.
Original Sin and the Fall of Adam: Augustine discusses the concept of original sin, which he believes has affected all of humanity as a result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He asserts that the consequences of original sin include a corrupted human nature, a tendency toward moral weakness, and a proclivity toward sinful actions.
Here are more details about original sin and the fall of Adam in Augustine's theological perspective:

The Fall of Adam and Eve: Augustine begins by recounting the biblical narrative of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. According to the Book of Genesis, Adam and Eve were created by God and placed in paradise. They were given free will and were allowed to enjoy all the fruits of the garden except for the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, they disobeyed God's command and ate from the forbidden tree, resulting in their expulsion from Eden.

Consequences of the Fall: Augustine argues that the disobedience of Adam and Eve had profound consequences for all of humanity. Their sin, which is often referred to as the original sin, led to a corrupted human nature. Augustine asserts that this corruption is passed down to all of Adam's descendants, marking the human race with moral weakness and a tendency toward sinful actions.

Inherited Guilt: Augustine maintains that original sin is not merely an individual act of wrongdoing but also includes the inherited guilt and moral pollution passed from generation to generation. He argues that as a result of original sin, all humans are born with a sinful nature and a propensity to commit sin. This inherited guilt separates them from God's divine grace.

Loss of Original Righteousness: Augustine contends that the original righteousness and harmony that Adam and Eve enjoyed in Eden were lost due to their disobedience. This loss of original righteousness left humanity in a state of moral corruption and spiritual separation from God.

Divine Justice and Redemption: Augustine sees the consequences of original sin as a manifestation of divine justice. God punishes humanity for its disobedience by allowing the effects of original sin to persist. However, Augustine also emphasizes the importance of divine grace and redemption in overcoming the effects of original sin. Through God's grace, individuals can be regenerated and restored to a state of righteousness.

Theological Significance: Augustine's doctrine of original sin has significant theological implications. It shapes his understanding of human nature, moral accountability, and the need for divine intervention in the form of redemption and grace. Original sin is a central concept in Augustine's theology and is integral to his theodicy, as it addresses the problem of evil and the fallen condition of humanity.

Augustine's exploration of original sin and the fall of Adam in Book 5 of the City of God contributes to his broader discussion of the problem of evil and the conflicting destinies of the two cities—the earthly city and the city of God. It serves as a theological foundation for his arguments about the necessity of divine grace and redemption in overcoming the consequences of sin.
The Nature of Sin: Augustine explores the nature of sin, emphasizing that it is not a substance but rather an absence or a privation of good. Sin occurs when individuals misuse their free will by turning away from God, who is the ultimate source of all good. Sin is a departure from God's perfect will and a distortion of the human soul.
Here are more details about the nature of sin according to Augustine:

Sin as a Privation: Augustine characterizes sin as a privation or a lack of good rather than as a substance or a positive entity. He argues that evil and sin do not have an independent existence but are, in essence, the absence or distortion of goodness. Sin, according to Augustine, is a deviation from God's perfect and moral order.

Turning Away from God: Augustine sees sin as an act of turning away from God, who is the ultimate source of all good and moral perfection. When individuals commit sinful actions, they distance themselves from God's divine will and choose to pursue their own desires or selfish interests.

Disordered Love: Augustine famously describes sin as a disordered love. He asserts that the proper order of love should be to love God above all else and to love others as oneself. Sin occurs when individuals invert this order, loving themselves and their desires more than God or others. This distortion of love leads to moral wrongdoing.

Violation of Divine Law: Augustine emphasizes that sin involves a violation of divine law or God's moral standards. It is not merely a transgression of human laws or social norms but a breach of the moral order established by God. Sin represents a rebellion against God's righteousness.

Varieties of Sin: Augustine recognizes that sin can take various forms and degrees of seriousness. He categorizes sins into different classes, including venial sins (lesser offenses) and mortal sins (grave offenses). Mortal sins, in Augustine's view, sever the individual's relationship with God and require repentance and divine grace for reconciliation.

Impact on the Soul: Augustine contends that sin has a corrupting influence on the human soul. It introduces a moral stain or pollution that affects the person's innermost being. The soul, tainted by sin, is in need of purification and healing through divine grace.

The Role of Free Will: Augustine's understanding of sin is closely tied to the role of free will. He argues that humans choose to commit sinful actions through the exercise of their free will. Sin is not imposed upon individuals but is the result of their choices.

Necessity of Redemption: Augustine's discussion of sin underscores the need for redemption and divine grace. He believes that individuals cannot overcome the effects of sin on their own but require the transformative power of God's grace to purify their souls and restore their moral integrity.

In Book 5, Augustine's exploration of the nature of sin serves as a foundation for his broader discussion of the problem of evil and the role of free will. It contributes to his theodicy, which attempts to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with the attributes of an all-good and all-powerful God. Augustine's theological insights on sin continue to be influential in discussions of ethics, morality, and the human condition.
God's Permissive Will: Augustine contends that God, in His wisdom, allows evil to exist as part of His permissive will. He argues that God permits evil in the world as a means of preserving human free will and maintaining moral accountability. Augustine sees this as a necessary condition for the possibility of genuine love and moral responsibility.
Here are more details about God's permissive will according to Augustine:

Divine Permission: Augustine argues that God, in His wisdom and sovereignty, permits evil to exist in the world as part of His permissive will. This means that while God does not actively will or desire evil, He allows it to occur within the framework of His divine plan. Augustine contends that God's permissive will is distinct from His active or positive will, which involves what God directly desires and intends.

Moral Accountability: Augustine sees God's permissive will as essential for preserving human moral accountability. He believes that without the freedom to make choices, including the possibility of choosing evil, humans would not have genuine moral agency. God's permission of evil allows individuals to exercise their free will and make morally significant choices.

Genuine Love and Virtue: Augustine suggests that God's permissive will is related to the possibility of genuine love and virtue. He argues that true love and virtue are meaningful only when they are freely chosen. If God were to eliminate all evil or coerce human behavior, genuine love and moral goodness would be undermined.

Greater Goods: Augustine posits that God's permissive will also serves the purpose of allowing greater goods to emerge from the existence of evil and suffering. He contends that God can bring about moral and spiritual growth, resilience, and redemption in the face of adversity. The presence of evil can lead to the development of virtues such as compassion, courage, and perseverance.

Theodicy: Augustine's concept of God's permissive will plays a crucial role in his theodicy—the attempt to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with the attributes of an all-good and all-powerful God. He asserts that God's permission of evil is consistent with His divine wisdom and ultimate plan, even if humans may not fully comprehend it.

Distinction from Active Evil: Augustine emphasizes that God's permissive will should not be confused with God actively causing or endorsing evil. He maintains that evil arises from the misuse of human free will, not from God's direct intention. God permits evil to occur but does not will it as an end in itself.

Redemption and Providence: Augustine believes that God's providence extends beyond the human realm and encompasses the unfolding of history. He suggests that God's divine plan includes the redemption of humanity through the work of Christ and the transformative power of divine grace. Ultimately, God's providence is aimed at the restoration of the fallen human condition.

Augustine's discussion of God's permissive will in Book 5 contributes to his broader exploration of the problem of evil and the conflicting destinies of the two cities—the earthly city and the city of God—throughout the City of God. It provides a theological framework for understanding the relationship between human free will, moral accountability, and the presence of evil in the world.
Redemption and Divine Grace: Augustine introduces the concept of redemption and the role of divine grace in overcoming the effects of evil and sin. He explains that God's grace is necessary for the moral transformation of individuals and their restoration to a state of righteousness. Redemption is possible through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Here are more details about redemption and divine grace according to Augustine's theological perspective:

Redemption Defined: Augustine defines redemption as the process by which human beings are restored to a state of righteousness and reconciliation with God after the fall into sin. Redemption is made possible through divine intervention and the work of Christ.

Role of Divine Grace: Augustine emphasizes the central role of divine grace in the process of redemption. Divine grace refers to the unmerited favor and assistance that God offers to humanity. It is through God's grace that individuals can be transformed, their sins forgiven, and their relationship with God restored.

Fallen Human Nature: Augustine posits that human nature is corrupted and weakened as a result of original sin. He argues that this fallen nature inclines individuals toward sinful actions and separates them from God's divine grace. Divine grace is necessary to counteract the effects of sin and restore moral integrity.

Grace as a Gift: Augustine views divine grace as a gift freely given by God. It cannot be earned or achieved through human efforts alone. Grace is God's initiative in reaching out to fallen humanity and offering the opportunity for redemption.

Transformation of the Soul: Augustine teaches that divine grace has the power to transform the human soul. It purifies the soul, removes the stain of sin, and renews the individual's inner disposition. Through grace, individuals can begin to align their will with God's will and live virtuous lives.

Role of Christ: Augustine highlights the significance of Jesus Christ in the process of redemption. He believes that Christ's incarnation, sacrificial death on the cross, and resurrection provide the means by which God offers redemption to humanity. Christ's sacrifice atones for the sins of humanity and makes reconciliation with God possible.

Necessity of Faith: Augustine asserts that faith is the means by which individuals access divine grace and experience redemption. Faith involves trusting in God's promises and accepting the gift of grace. Augustine argues that faith is essential for the soul's transformation and for receiving the benefits of redemption.

Sanctification: Augustine describes the ongoing process of sanctification, whereby individuals are progressively conformed to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification involves a continuous journey of growth in holiness and virtue.

Reconciliation with God: Augustine's theology of redemption and grace ultimately centers on the idea of reconciliation with God. Through redemption and divine grace, individuals are reconciled with God, their sins are forgiven, and they are welcomed into a restored relationship with the divine.

In Book 5, Augustine's discussion of redemption and divine grace serves as a response to the problem of evil and the fallen human condition. He presents these concepts as essential components of God's plan to overcome the effects of sin and lead humanity toward the city of God. Augustine's theology of redemption and grace has had a profound influence on Christian thought and continues to be a central theme in Christian theology and spirituality.
The City of God and the Earthly City: Augustine connects his discussion of evil to the overarching theme of the two cities—the earthly city and the city of God. He argues that the earthly city is marked by the misuse of free will, sin, and the pursuit of temporal goods, while the city of God represents the realm of divine grace, redemption, and eternal happiness.
Augustine uses these two concepts to explore the contrasting destinies and values of two distinct societies or realms. Here are more details about the City of God and the earthly city according to Augustine's theological perspective:

City of God (Civitas Dei):

Nature: The City of God represents the realm of divine grace, redemption, and eternal happiness. It is a spiritual and heavenly city that transcends earthly boundaries and limitations. It is characterized by righteousness, holiness, and the perfect love of God.
Inhabitants: The inhabitants of the City of God are those who have been redeemed by divine grace, have faith in God, and seek to live in accordance with His divine will. They are characterized by their love for God and their love for others.
Ultimate Destiny: Augustine posits that the City of God is the ultimate destiny for those who choose to follow God and seek eternal happiness. It is a realm of everlasting peace and communion with God.
Earthly City (Civitas Terrena):

Nature: The earthly city represents the temporal, human, and fallen realm of worldly pursuits, earthly desires, and human ambition. It is characterized by the pursuit of temporal goods, power, and worldly pleasure.
Inhabitants: The inhabitants of the earthly city are those who prioritize worldly values and engage in actions that are contrary to God's divine will. They may pursue earthly success, wealth, and pleasure at the expense of moral and spiritual values.
Ultimate Destiny: Augustine contends that the earthly city is destined for destruction and decay. It is subject to the impermanence and transitory nature of the world. In the end, it cannot offer lasting happiness or fulfillment.
Conflict and Tension: Augustine acknowledges that there is an inherent tension and conflict between the two cities. The earthly city often opposes the values and principles of the City of God. This tension is a reflection of the larger spiritual struggle between good and evil.

Christian Perspective: Augustine presents the City of God as the ultimate goal for Christians. He encourages believers to prioritize their citizenship in the City of God and to live in accordance with God's divine will. While Christians live in the earthly city, they are called to be pilgrims and ambassadors of the City of God, living out their faith in a fallen world.

Temporal vs. Eternal: The contrast between the two cities highlights the difference between temporal and eternal values. The earthly city focuses on temporal goods and achievements, while the City of God emphasizes eternal happiness and communion with God.

Eschatological Hope: Augustine's theology of the City of God also includes eschatological hope. He believes that the ultimate realization of the City of God will occur in the future, at the end of history, when God's divine plan is fully revealed.

Augustine's exploration of the City of God and the earthly city is a central theme in his work and has had a profound influence on Christian theology and the understanding of the relationship between the spiritual and temporal aspects of human existence. It addresses fundamental questions about the nature of human society, the pursuit of happiness, and the role of faith in the lives of individuals.
In Book 5, Augustine grapples with the problem of evil by exploring its origins in the free will of rational beings, particularly human beings. He introduces the concept of original sin, discusses the nature of sin, and emphasizes the role of divine grace in overcoming evil. Augustine's examination of evil and free will contributes to his broader theological and philosophical exploration of the conflicting destinies of the two cities—the earthly city and the city of God—throughout the City of God.
Book 6: Augustine examines the philosophy of Plato and discusses the immortality of the soul.