A Church on the Move

 Augustine, born 354, convert from paganism; Bishop of Hippo, North Africa,  Much of our current theology stems from Augustine.

 “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.

 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?

 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

 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?