Augustinianism

Augustinianism refers to the theological and philosophical system developed by Saint Augustine of Hippo, a prominent early Christian theologian and philosopher. His ideas, particularly those concerning grace, original sin, predestination, and the nature of God, have profoundly influenced Western Christianity and philosophy. Central to Augustinianism is the concept of divine grace, which Augustine argued is essential for salvation. He believed that humanity, due to original sin inherited from Adam and Eve, is incapable of achieving righteousness or salvation on its own. Therefore, God's unmerited favor, grace, is a prerequisite for faith and good works.

Another key tenet is the doctrine of original sin, which posits that all humanity inherited the sin of Adam, resulting in a corrupted will and a propensity towards evil. This inherent sinfulness necessitates God's intervention. Augustine also elaborated on predestination, the belief that God has eternally chosen certain individuals for salvation. While acknowledging the role of human free will, Augustine stressed that ultimately, salvation is a divine initiative. His understanding of the Trinity, the relationship between faith and reason, and the nature of time are also significant contributions. Augustinianism has been a foundational element in the theology of both Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, particularly within Reformed traditions.