St. Augustine: Faith, Philosophy, and the Fall of Rome

Historical Context: Christianity and Rome

According to St. Augustine's historical understanding, Christianity originated in Judea (Palestine), which was then a Roman province. This religion advocated for one God, leading to persecution against Christians who rejected traditional Roman gods.

Emperor Constantine granted this religion the same rights as others, making it a legally protected religion within the empire. Constantine also initiated measures against pagans. However, his successor, Julian (known as the Apostate), attempted the opposite by trying to restore pagan religions.

Later, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion in both the East and the West. While the East persisted, the West endured significant invasions. Rome was attacked during Augustine's lifetime. Following Alaric's sack of Rome in 410 AD, Augustine of Hippo proclaimed the glory of the 'City of God'.

In 476 AD, the Western Roman Empire fell, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages.

Sociocultural Changes in Late Antiquity

The crisis of the third century seemed to herald the end of the world. Cities weakened and fell into ruin. Christianized urban residents shifted to rural life, often living in fortified villas or castles for defense against barbarian incursions.

Many people were forced to sell their land, leading to the formation of large estates (latifundia). The wealthy prevailed in this system, eventually becoming feudal lords. In the West, Germanic tribes like the Ostrogoths and Visigoths were allowed to settle within the empire's borders.

Cultural and Philosophical Landscape

Culturally, this period saw a form of renaissance; many prose writers and poets revisited classical works. Figures like St. Jerome and St. Augustine articulated profound philosophy and theology. Bishops such as St. Hilary, St. Augustine, and St. Ambrose composed influential hymns used in religious ceremonies.

Philosophical Currents

At this time, philosophical currents intersected significantly with religious movements. Christian writers employed literary forms like the diatribe and allegory, with allegory being particularly used to interpret the Old Testament. The Christian concept of creation ex nihilo (out of nothing) emerged, a notion largely inconceivable in prior Greek philosophy.

Key debates arose concerning the relationship between Christianity and philosophy, the necessity of philosophy for understanding Christian faith, and the intricate connection between faith and reason.

Prominent non-Christian philosophical movements during this era included Stoicism, Gnosticism, and notably, Neoplatonism, which heavily influenced St. Augustine.

Development of Christian Thought

Christian philosophy underwent a long formation process with several key stages:

• The New Testament: Revealing the life and teachings of Jesus.
• The Apologists: Early Christian authors who defended their new religion against criticisms.
• The Patristics: The period of the Church Fathers (like Augustine) who worked to illustrate and systematize Christian doctrine.