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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 20 page paper that begins with a brief background about Augustine. The essay then discusses free will, what it means, how Augustine treated the topic and comments from some who say there is no free will, including the determinist argument. The section on predestination follows the same schema as for free will, the definition, what it means, what Augustine said and reasons some do not adhere to the tenet. The last section discuses the compatibility of free will and predestination, using reviews of Augustine's work with discrete quotes from Augustine. Arguments against the compatibility of these two concepts are also presented. Bibliography lists 13 sources.
Page Count:
20 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MM12_PGfrpr.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Both Bona and Suk Arras are in Algeria.2 His father, a member of the council, has been described as a pagan until shortly before his death.3 Augustines mother was a
Christian, albeit her devotion has been questioned.4 Still, Augustine said in his Confessions that whatever he was he credited to his mother.5 It was not until summer 386 that Augustine
sought baptism.6 That, only hearing Ambrose preach many times and after an interaction with Pontitianus who told him of the remarkable things accomplished in monastic life.7 He then read Romans
13: " Let us walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness,"8 Subsequently, Augustine wrote to Ambrose asking to be baptized, which,
according to custom at the time could not be performed until the following Easter.9 Augustine was influenced greatly by Ambrose, St. Paul, Plato and even Neoplatonists and finally, Scripture.10
It is important to note that Augustines opinions on free will and predetermination changed over the years.11 Early in his life he believed "the free will of man could decide
his own destiny."12 It was after he became Bishop of Hippo that he changed his mind.13 It is believed that Augustines system of belief was developed by the year 397.
That system is based on three principals: 1. God is absolute Master, by His grace, of all the determinations of the will; 2. man remains free, even under the
action of grace; 3. the reconciliation of these two truths rests on the manner of the Divine government.14 This brief introduction to Augustine provides insight into his background that
leads to his subsequent beliefs about many theological issues. Free Will Maher commented: "The question of free will, moral liberty, or the liberum arbitrium of the Schoolmen, ranks
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