Monday, April 02, 2007

Saint Augustine’s Conversion

Saint Augustine’s Conversion

I. Introduction: a. Saint Augustine’s Life

b. Confession and Book VIII

c. Intended Audience

d. Method: human meaning-making, John Cameli’s theory of

Conversion, and appropriation


II. Book VIII of Confession: a. Structure

b. Encounters with Simplicanus, Ponticianus, Alypius, Monica


III. Conversion theory of John Cameli: a. Cognitive dimension

b. Affective dimension

c. Values dimension


IV. Lonergan’s theory of human meaning-making:

a. Experiencing…the existent (encounter, lived spirituality)

b. Understanding…the intelligible (bright ideas, little stories)

c. Judging…the true (verification, discernment)

d. Deciding…the good (responsible praxis, practical wisdom)


V. Re-appropriation: a. Description of the intended audience

b. Process and values of Augustine’s conversion for catechumens

- significant encounters and important moments

- three dimensions of conversion (cognitive-affective-values)


VI. Conclusion: Why it is a “classic”

a. A capacity to surprise and challenge

b. Brings us into transforming contact with our religious tradition

c. A “wisdom document”

d. Content and teaching

e. The connection between theory and practice is explicit


The structure of Book VIII:

8.1.1-2 = Introduction

8.2.3-5.12 = Conversation with Simplicianus

8.2.3-5 = Conversion of Marius Victorinus

8.6.13 = Second Introduction

8.6.14-18 = Conversation with Ponticianus

8.6.15 = Conversion of the two courtiers of Trier

8.8.19-12.30 = Augustine and Alypius in the garden at Milan

8.12.28-30 = Conversion of Augustine and Alypius

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