Neoplatonism

Neoplatonism represented a turn away from the practical concerns of civic humanists to an exploration of the grand ideals of truth and perfection (Chambers 397). Pico della Mirandola believed the universe to be ordered in a hierarchy, with every being in the universe holding a compulsion to seek perfection. These ideals, along with other ideals of Neoplatonism, were extremely prevalent within Pico della Mirandola’s work. One of

Neoplatonism is defined as a modern term used to describe a period of Platonic philosophy beginning with the work of Plotinus. (Moore) Plotinus being the founder of Neoplatonism, was an explorer of Plato’s teachings. Neoplatonism intertwines the philosophy of Plato with Christianity, as well as other religious beliefs. St. Augustine was known for using Neoplatonism on many occasions, especially in his work, Confessions, which is also seen as the autobiography of St. Augustine. In Confessions, the

explored other religions. Two religions that Augustine devoted himself to were Manichaeism and Neoplatonism. While both religions had strengths and flaws, neither truly satisfied Augustine’s spiritual emptiness. Before devoting himself fully to the Catholic faith, Augustine is seen as an honorable saint because of the significance of his works and teachings. Augustine’s conversion from Manichaeism to Neoplatonism to Catholicism as noted through Confessions, transformed his life from being powered by sin

Confessions is an autobiography that Augustine of Hippo writes to depict his journey of finding the religious truth regarding the origin of evil. In his autobiography, Augustine argues that Christianity possesses the most compelling answer to the origin of evil, and shows that Christianity’s definition evil is the extent that a person has strayed away from God. He argues that human free will leads to sin when a person pursues worldly desires instead of dedicating their lives to God, which in turn

background, and death was a common theme due to the bubonic plague. However, religion continued to be an important theme in art, and philosophers and artists tried to combine the ideas of Plato with Christian ideals, this practice is referred to as Neoplatonism.

The Neoplatonists believed in the idea of God, who is the creator of but they mention nothing about the idea that Christ dwells with us in the flesh. Augustine also makes two other criticisms of Neoplatonism. He is upset at the fact that the Neoplatonists do not give praise to God, and he says that it is tainted by their polytheist tendencies in their writings. He would, however, receive a revelation through God that withheld with the philosophical

Thesis This paper will explore the factors leading to Saint Augustine’s conversion. This conversion was believed to be the result of an ultimate battle of sexual desire with spirit. St Augustine Biography Info Augustine of Hippo was born on November 13, in AD 354, in Thagaste (modern day Souk Ahras, Algeria), and died on August 28, in AD 430, in modern-day Annaba, Algeria (then known as Hippo Regius). It was in the latter city where he was named Bishop 35 years prior to his death. It is a challenge

toward the Christian faith to a struggle through many philosophies and teachings, which he would take up and then constantly reject. This would seem to be the pattern of Augustine as he practiced, for some time, everything from Manichaeism to Neoplatonism. He could not seem to grasp the fullness of their teachings and eventually and always found a fault that would not allow him for continuation of the particular faith. But, it would be his boyish ways which would set him upon this path in the

Augustine’s literary style in Confessions was very effective in relaying his thoughts on evil, redemption, Genesis, and his personal dichotomy between the bible and Neoplatonism. . Though the first nine books are a reflection of his life they are filled with the relationship between his thoughts and actions and his path to redemption and salvation, connecting these with his deep philosophical thoughts in the final books. It was interesting to see how his perspective changed over the course of his

Saint Augustine’s books of confession are simply about his journey to becoming baptized and becoming part of the church. Towards the very beginning of the book Augustine has many questions regarding God, evil, and what it means to be part of the church community. He wants to learn how does one seek God without knowing exactly who or what God is. Augustine is a very curious person, and he seeks wisdom, he wants to be able to have a full understanding of God and also he wants his questions to be answered