The moral theory and applied ethics of saint Augustine of hippo as presented in in Iohannis evangelium tractatus and in epistulam Iohannis ad parthos

Abstract

Grounded in Christian revelation and drawing heavily on ancient philosophical enquiry, Augustine presents a moral theory and applied ethic in In Iohannis evangelium tractatus and In epistulam Iohannis ad Parthos tractatus which acknowledges that man's pursuit of happiness through participation in God is frustrated by sin and can be realised only with the help of an appropriate mediator. Reconciliation is wrought and the doctrine of the mediator fulfilled in the man Christ Jesus: his life, death and resurrection provide a way to the Truth and Life of eternal happiness because in Christ the Word assumed flesh without loss of his divinity. Moral and intellectual purification await those who are willing to imitate Christ by speculating on a life of humility and obedience. Augustine uses the images of Christ as a Teacher and as a Physician to explain how Christ communicates his truth and grace to both the inner and outer man. Christ continues this work of mediation through the Church's doctrinal and sacramental life. By empowering believers to love God and neighbour, the Holy Spirit helps Christians understand their faith more fully and remain united in their witness to the world. Augustine argues that to become righteous, wise and holy in eternity like God, man must seek to grow in virtue, knowledge and love now by submitting his intellect and will, disordered by sin, to God's perfect Charity. By faith in Christ working through the unifying love of the Spirit, man is led on to the Father of Truth and has the image of God in which he was made renewed. So in direct opposition to the pride, envy and division he saw as characterising man's Fall and subsequent pursuit of the lusts of the world, Augustine advances a morality rooted in the humility, charity and unity of the Trinity.