Saint Augustine

1. Divine Providence in the Life of St. Augustine - Monica and Ambrose
Plato talks of life involving divine surprises. Christianity speaks of Providence playing a central role in human existence. Dr. William Marra explores this theme by talking of the providential role of Monica and Ambrose in Augustine's conversion.

2. Metaphysics In Plato and Aristotle,
Christian theology in ancient and early medieval times was built more along Platonic lines. From the High Middle Ages onwards, Aristotle's influence became more pronounced. What are the metaphysical concepts of these two greatest of ancient philosophers? What differences would emerge from Christian reliance of one as opposed to the other? Dr. William Marra explores these questions.

3. The Problem of Evil
Gnostic influences, so strong at the time of the late Empire, led many men to presume that the evils of nature indicate its creation by an evil God or demigod. Augustine, the greatest of the Church Fathers, found the problem of evil to be one of the stumbling blocks to his conversion. Dr. William Marra discusses here the great "mystery of iniquity", the dilemmas it poses to well-meaning unbelievers, and Christian explanations for its reality.

Taken from: Early Christianity and Late Antiquity - 1993 VonHildebrand Institute