“Augustine’s Theology of Salvation and Human Effort: An Analysis and Evaluation”

Abstract

The article delves into the theological perspectives of salvation and human effort within Augustine’s framework. It explores Augustine’s philosophical influences, especially from Platonism, and evaluates how these shaped his understanding of God, Christ Jesus, humanity, sin, and salvation. The analysis scrutinizes Augustine’s theological concepts through a biblical lens, shedding light on potential discrepancies between his Platonist presuppositions and scriptural teachings. The paper critically assesses Augustine’s interpretation approach, highlighting his use of allegorical methods and philosophical influences. It delves into Augustine’s views on human effort in salvation, examining his soteriological themes and dialogues with Pelagius. The evaluation contends that Augustine’s theological assertions on salvation and human effort, though rich in content, seem more aligned with his philosophical background than biblical  perspectives. Ultimately, the article raises questions about the compatibility of Augustine’s theological perspectives with scriptural truths.