Confessions - Book XI - Chapter Xii
St. Augustine explores the profound mystery of God's eternal nature and creation, emphasizing humility in the face of divine questions beyond human understanding.
In this devotional sermon from Confessions Book XI Chapter XII, St. Augustine reflects on the profound question of what God was doing before creating heaven and earth. He emphasizes the importance of humility and reverence when approaching divine mysteries, rejecting superficial answers. Augustine invites listeners to embrace the mystery of God's eternal nature and the truth of creation ex nihilo, encouraging a deeper spiritual understanding.
Text
14. How, then, shall I respond to him who asks, \"What was God doing before he made heaven and earth?\" I do not answer, as a certain one is reported to have done facetiously (shrugging off the force of the question). \"He was preparing hell,\" he said, \"for those who pry too deep.\" It is one thing to see the answer; it is another to laugh at the questioner--and for myself I do not answer these things thus. More willingly would I have answered, \"I do not know what I do not know,\" than cause one who asked a deep question to be ridiculed--and by such tactics gain praise for a worthless answer.
Rather, I say that thou, our God, art the Creator of every creature. And if in the term \"heaven and earth\" every creature is included, I make bold to say further: \"Before God made heaven and earth, he did not make anything at all. For if he did, what did he make unless it were a creature?\" I do indeed wish that I knew all that I desire to know to my profit as surely as I know that no creature was made before any creature was made.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Addressing the question of what God was doing before creation
- Rejecting flippant or facetious answers
- Emphasizing the importance of humility in theological inquiry
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II
- Affirming God as Creator of all creatures
- Clarifying that nothing existed before heaven and earth
- Exploring the concept of creation ex nihilo
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III
- Acknowledging human limitations in understanding divine mysteries
- Encouraging a posture of wonder and reverence
- Seeking knowledge that benefits the soul
Key Quotes
“I do not answer, as a certain one is reported to have done facetiously... 'He was preparing hell, for those who pry too deep.'” — St. Augustine
“I do indeed wish that I knew all that I desire to know to my profit as surely as I know that no creature was made before any creature was made.” — St. Augustine
“More willingly would I have answered, 'I do not know what I do not know,' than cause one who asked a deep question to be ridiculed.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Approach difficult theological questions with humility and reverence.
- Accept the limits of human understanding while seeking spiritual growth.
- Trust in God's eternal nature and creative power even when mysteries remain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main question Augustine addresses?
He addresses what God was doing before creating heaven and earth.
How does Augustine respond to facetious answers?
He rejects them and prefers admitting ignorance over giving worthless answers.
What does Augustine say about creation?
He affirms that God created all creatures and nothing existed before creation.
Why is humility important in theological questions?
Because some divine mysteries surpass human understanding and require reverence.