LIBERTATE ȘI LIBERUL ARBITRU ÎN RAPORT CU HARUL ÎN SCRIERILE SFÂNTULUI AUGUSTIN (354-430)

Abstract

On Grace, Freedom and Free Will in the writings of St. Augustine (354-430)

We bring to the reader’s attention the theology of freedom, sin, free will and grace in the main writings of St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo (354-430). Here we encounter some attempts to answer the existential questions of every human being: What are the origins of evil? What can human beings do when facing evil? Who has given them freedom and the free will to sin and commit evil? Does grace oppose freedom and free will? A man of his time, Augustine understands from his own experience just how difficult it is to give the most appropriate and the wisest answers to such questions. Thus, relying on his own relationship with God and in order to confuse the Manicheans, who argued in favour of an original dualism, a Good God and an Evil God who created food and even in the world, and the Pelagians, who denied the need for grace for salvation as opposed to human personal efforts, the bishop of Hippo develops a theology of free will and grace which brought him the title of “Doctor of Grace” in the Western Church.