The ethical implications of Christian life in Saint Augustine of Hippo's De sermone Domini in monte

Abstract

The thesis establishes the double motivation of Saint Augustine's De sermone Domini in monte. In the first place, although the treatise cannot be considered an anti-Manichaean treatise, yet Augustine definitely intended to compose a manual to define the ethical implications of a perfect Christian way of life for his flock both against competing false (or anti-) Gospels, namely, Manichaeism, Donatism, and Judaism, present in Hippo in 394. In the second place, the treatise was also intended to be a charter for the re-evangelization of many so-called Christians, who in the exercise of their daily Christian life proved to be only outwardly Christian. This was one of the adverse effects of the mass Christianization of the Empire especially after the second half of the fourth century. The thesis then examines the new theological method of approaching ethics based upon a docile and humble reading of the Word of God which contained all that a believer required for an ethically perfect Christian way of life. The Gospel of Saint Matthew proved to be the New Testament scriptural text held in highest esteem, and the most commented upon in ancient Christian literature before Augustine. Allegorical-spiritual interpretation is resorted to in Augustine's exegesis of the Lord's Sermon on the Mount according to Matthew, whenever he found it to be the only effective way to bring out the ethical implications of a perfect Christian way of life. The thesis finally shows that although Augustine has now set upon a theological and ecclesial approach to moral issues, yet he has neither completely abandoned his rhetorical nor his philosophical principles of his earlier works. These, however, he has now brought to the service of the demands of Christian evangelization. Thus, the basic ground of moral value proves to be the right intention behind every action in the life of a true Christian. Moreover, for Augustine, a morally right way of Christian life will lead the believer to the attainment of a partial blessedness while still here on earth.