HERMAE NIÑA B.
PAJELA THEO101-M, 12:00-3:00 BSA-2ND COURSER
1. Who is St. Augustine of Hippo?
Aurelius Augustinus, later known as the St. Augustine of Hippo, was a writer,
theologian, and philosopher who shaped the Western theological thought. Aurelius
was a saint and a doctor of the church who is considered one of the most important
theologians and leaders in church history.
He was born in 354 to a Christian mother and spent 33 years of his life as a
heretic. Initially, he embraced the religion of Manichaeism but eventually converted
to Christianity after being influenced by St. Ambrose in Milan. After his conversion,
Augustine became the bishop of Hippo, where he lived a life dedicated to study,
prayer, and guiding the Church through significant controversies.
Augustine played a crucial role in resolving two major controversies in the
Church. First, the Donatist controversy. Here he argued that the validity of sacraments
does not depend on the moral state of the minister but on God’s power. Second, he
defended the doctrine of Original Sin and the necessity of God’s grace for salvation
thus, resolving the Pelagian controversy.
His early life struggles with sin, particularly with lust, deeply informed his
theological perspectives and his relationship with God. He used this personal struggle
and authored several significant theological works, like City of God and Confessions.
These literary works which contain his thoughts on human nature, sin, and grace have
profoundly shaped Western Christianity. His teachings earned him the title “Doctor of
Grace” and became a foundational figure in the development of Christian theology.
2. What is the Order of St. Augustine?
The Order of St. Augustine, or Augustinian Order, fundamentally based upon
the teachings of Jesus Christ and later of Aurelius Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo,
was founded to live and promote the spirit of community as lived by the first
Christian communities.
The Order, from its very beginning, has recognized Saint Augustine of Hippo
as its father, teacher, and spiritual guide, not only because it has received the Rule and
the name of the Order from him, but also because it has received from him its doctrine
and spirituality.
The Augustinian Order is people - men and women - who, in the words of the
Rule they profess, "live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the
way to God." They are Christians who, captivated by the example of Saint Augustine,
journey together, as they build community and serve the Lord's people.
3. Relevance of studying Salvation History.
a. It helps us understand why we need salvation and why we can’t gain it on our
own without God’s help.
b. To learn about God’s plan of salvation and trace how it unfolded with key
biblical events and figures, like Abraham, Moses, and David.
c. It makes us comprehend how God worked throughout history which can help us
enact his eternal plan of salvation for humanity.
d. To deepen our insight into the story of God’s relationship with mankind and what
he did to redeem humanity from our sins.
e. It makes us understand our roles in God’s ongoing plan of salvation, helping us
foster a sense of identity and purpose in life.
Sources:
https://youtu.be/DNFpcUp5nBw?si=YWhWZGCXOd8BQfnT
https://www.augustinianorder.org/who-we-are-1#:~:text=The%20Order%20of%20St.,4%2C
%2032%2D35).
