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Divisiveness- Jamie Peters

 St. Augustine is an INCREDIBLY relatable guy, for good reason. I want to zero in on Book 6, Chapter 11, this blog post, and analyze the countless questions and hindrances of Augustine in his final throes with the chains of death. What is most interesting to me is the comparison of his first and last questions in this passage. In the early days of Augustine's journey towards life, he states, "'Tomorrow I shall discover the truth. I shall see it quite plainly, and it will be mine to keep....'" (126). As with any normal human being, Augustine is on a search for absolute truth in a chaotic, ever-changing world. It is the first step of any philosopher, to find the way out of the cave and into the light of understanding. The last paragraph of this line of question showcases a completely different Augustine, one that is looking for enduring happiness in the things of the earth. To him, honor, power, and love are the height of human excellence, so "'...what more could a man ask?'" (127). Again, the search for happiness is a natural desire in mankind. What I have showcased, however, is the unneeded separation of truth and happiness.

Many philosophers, including Boethius and Plato, have plenty of evidence in support of the oneness of truth and true happiness (If you want examples, go read the entirety of The Republic and The Consolation of Philosophy), but the biggest supported of this fact is the Bible. John's gospel records Jesus explaining the enslavement of sin and evil in this world. Freedom from this enslavement, however, can be found in believing the truth of God's Word, hence the verse "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). Until Augustine starts recognizing the truth of Jesus' words and can find peace in them, he will continue to separate the truth and happiness, things which don't have to be separated.


I commented on Madalyn's and Clabo's posts.

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2021 at 3:35 PM

    I totally agree. People seem to lose sight in how great God is. Just like last week's discussion about losing sight of the meaning of the words in songs, we also lose sight of the happiness that God brings.

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  2. Brooke HutchesonFebruary 1, 2021 at 7:44 PM

    Your last point is very true. Truth and happiness can come together and live in harmony. As a Christian, I find truth and happiness in Jesus Christ since He guides me with honesty. Like in class the other day, the yin and yang symbol can also represent truth and happiness. If we did not have truth, we would always question how to live, and if we did not have happiness, we could never find the joy in anything.

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  3. Lily CaswellFebruary 1, 2021 at 8:55 PM

    I think sometimes we confuse happiness and joy and call them the same thing. In Jesus, true joy can be found while happiness is found in temporal things and therefore is fleeting. I believe that when you know the truth of Jesus and what He said and continues to say in our lives, that is when you can’t help but be joyful.

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  4. Haylee LyndFebruary 1, 2021 at 11:29 PM

    This is so true. We see him seeking the truth in all the wrong things until he comes to know Christ. He seeks truth under the Manichees. He seeks truth in studying philosophy. Because he doesn't find true happiness in these things(as they are of the world), he separates truth and happiness(because at the time he is studying them, he thinks them to be the truth). However, once one discovers the real truth, the truth of God, he will discover that truth and happiness can exist together.

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