St. Augustine and His Philosophy
The Inner Journey Toward God and Eternal Truth
by: Ulysses Ybiernas | May 27, 2019
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 CE) was one of the most influential thinkers in Christian history and Western philosophy. His work, blending classical thought with Christian theology, laid the groundwork for medieval philosophy and shaped doctrines on the soul, time, evil, and divine grace. He is especially known for the introspective and personal nature of his philosophical writings.
Faith Seeking Understanding
St. Augustine believed that faith is the foundation of all knowledge. He famously declared, “I believe in order to understand”, indicating that belief in God is the starting point for genuine understanding of the world and the self.
“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of faith is to see what you believe.”
His philosophy embraced both divine revelation and human reason, insisting that reason is elevated by faith, not opposed to it.
The Problem of Evil
One of Augustine’s most important philosophical contributions is his approach to the **problem of evil**. He rejected the idea that evil is a substance or a force opposing God. Instead, he argued that evil is the **absence of good**, a corruption or privation of being.
This concept helped reconcile the existence of evil with a good and omnipotent God, and it deeply influenced Christian theology.
The Nature of the Soul and Self
Augustine emphasized the inner life. the soul's relationship with God, as the center of human existence. His spiritual autobiography, Confessions, is both philosophical and theological, exploring memory, time, desire, and conversion.
He viewed the soul as the image of God, created for truth and happiness, which could only be fulfilled by union with the divine.
Time and Eternity
In one of his most profound reflections, Augustine tackled the nature of **time** in Confessions. He distinguished between time and eternity, describing time as a subjective experience rooted in the human mind’s perception of past, present, and future.
“What then is time? If no one asks me, I know; if I want to explain it, I do not know.”
He concluded that only God exists in true eternity, outside the bounds of time.
City of God and Politics
In his monumental work The City of God, Augustine contrasts the **City of Man**, based on self-love and temporal power, with the **City of God**, based on love of God and eternal truth. His political philosophy shaped medieval Christian views of history, governance, and the role of the Church.
He argued that while earthly kingdoms rise and fall, the true home of the faithful lies in the eternal city above.
Legacy and Influence
St. Augustine’s influence spans theology, philosophy, literature, and psychology. His introspective method paved the way for existential and modern thought. He deeply impacted both Catholic and Protestant traditions and remains central to discussions on free will, grace, and the nature of the self.
Conclusion
St. Augustine’s philosophy is a journey of the soul toward truth, rooted in faith, shaped by reason, and illuminated by divine love. His thought invites us to examine our inner lives and to seek rest in the eternal truths that transcend time and human limitation.