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 “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.

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?

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

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.

PROS AND CONS?