#augustineofhippo

Orosius: Great Defender of Christianity Against the Pagans

Orosius's Seven Books of History Against the Pagans was the first world history by a Christian and was completed circa 418, shortly after the sack of Rome by Alaric. The pagans argued that Alaric had been able to take Rome only because Christianity had undermined the state religion, angering the gods, who had then withdrawn their protection from the city. Orosius attempted to show how, long before Christianity appeared on the world stage, great nations and states had collapsed while worshipping gods quite similar to those of Rome in very similar ways. If these earlier nations had fallen while engaged in polytheistic religious belief and rites, why would Rome be an exception?

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Augustine of Hippo

Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis (354-430), better known as Augustine of Hippo, is extolled as the greatest of the Christian Church Fathers. More than any other writer, he developed what would become known as systematic theology, or an explanation of how Christianity fits into views of the universe, creation, and humankind's relationship with God.

The Christian Concept of Human Sexuality as Sin

In the ancient world, human sexuality was crucial for the survival of the tribe and clan as well as pleasurable, a gift from the gods. Thousands of native cults emphasized fertility through rituals and prayers, and ancient gods were depicted with matching goddesses who produced offspring. There was a broad acceptance of the benefits of human sexuality; procreation ensured the survival of the community. Portraits of gods and goddesses were either nude or scantily, emphasized the male and female attributes and their roles in fertility.

Augustine of Hippo, also known as Saint Augustine, was a theologian and philosopher of Berber origin and the bishop of Hippo Regius in Numidia, Roman North Africa. 

Born: 13 November 354 AD, Thagaste

Died: 28 August 430 AD (age 75 years), Ruins of Hippo (Hippo Regius), Annaba, Algeria.

Early Life and Conversion: Augustine, born in 354 AD in North Africa (modern-day Algeria), led a life of worldly pursuits until his conversion to Christianity in 386. His spiritual journey is detailed in his famous autobiography, "Confessions."

Bishop of Hippo: Augustine served as the Bishop of Hippo (in present-day Annaba, Algeria) from 395 until his death in 430. During his episcopacy, he played a crucial role in defending orthodox Christian doctrine against various heresies.

Major Works: Augustine's writings have had a profound impact on Christian theology. His notable works include "Confessions," an introspective autobiographical work, and "The City of God," a monumental treatise on theology, philosophy, and the destiny of humanity.

Doctrine of Original Sin: Augustine developed the influential theological concept of Original Sin, which posits that humanity inherits a sinful nature from the fall of Adam and Eve. This idea has had a lasting impact on Christian theology and soteriology.