Critical Analysis of Augustine's Theory of Free Will

Critical Analysis of Augustine's Theory of Free Will

Augustine was not only a key theologian in the early church but also a philosopher whose contributions resulted in the growth and development of the early Christianity. Christianity has for a long time been a fundamental element in the growth and development of global political thought. It is however difficult to draw from St Augustine’s writing and vast contributions any particular theory that is entirely focused on politics. That said, it is important to note that Augustine’s arguments on politics can be obtained from several of his works including:Confessions, On Free Will, and City of God[ CITATION"Tkacz and Kries 52"]. Augustine believed that a human being’s motivations, desires, thoughts, and ultimately the salvation of his soul (human nature) are most important in deriving social political thoughts. There are three key features of human nature that are evident in Augustine's works which include: Humans having free will, Humans being moved by desires and finally the craving for peace inherent in all humans. The record of Augustine's views on themes such as the human nature, justice, the government’s nature and role, how the church and government relate, nature of war and peace has all influenced the shaping of Western society and politics [ CITATION"Tkacz and Kries 68"]. This article will therefore analyze the influence of human free will on social and political ideology particularly how it constructs justice for both city of God and man.

Augustine's view of depraved man, burdened with materialism, sexual desires and lust for power brings to mind similar perspectives that were held by his disciples during Reformation. However, humans are also social creatures who love peace, but find it difficult to keep because of their vulnerability to sin resulting from free will since human beings were created pure. Augustine posits of the necessity of free will to human nature. He argues that God's laws would be useless to human beings unless they had free will to choose. This therefore means that in keeping these laws he might get the promised rewards. In many scriptural passages, God requires the obedience to all His commandments, and this requisition is based on man’s inherent free will. In De libero arbitrio, St Augustine argues that anything and everything good in a human being is a gift from God...

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