Confessions - Book Xiii - Chapter Xxx
St. Augustine refutes erroneous beliefs about creation, affirming God's sovereign and intentional work in forming all things.
In this sermon, St. Augustine confronts erroneous views about the origin of creation, emphasizing God's sovereign and purposeful act in making all things. He challenges the notion that creation was formed from pre-existing materials or by hostile forces, urging believers to discern God's presence through His Spirit. Augustine's teaching reinforces the importance of spiritual insight and affirms the divine authorship of the universe.
Text
45. And I heard this, O Lord my God, and drank up a drop of sweetness from thy truth, and understood that there are some men to whom thy works are displeasing, who say that many of them thou didst make under the compulsion of necessity--such as the pattern of the heavens and the courses of the stars--and that thou didst not make them out of what was thine, but that they were already created elsewhere and from other sources. It was thus [they say] that thou didst collect and fashion and weave them together, as if from thy conquered enemies thou didst raise up the walls of the universe; so that, built into the ramparts of the building, they might not be able a second time to rebel against thee. And, even of other things, they say that thou didst neither make them nor arrange them--for example, all flesh and all the very small living creatures, and all things fastened to the earth by their roots. But [they say] a hostile mind and an alien nature--not created by thee and in every way contrary to thee--begot and framed all these things in the nether parts of the world.[647] They who speak thus are mad [insani], since they do not see thy works through thy Spirit, nor recognize thee in them.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to false beliefs about creation
- Critique of the idea that God created under compulsion
- Rejection of creation from pre-existing materials
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II
- Explanation of God's sovereign and intentional creation
- Refutation of hostile or alien forces as creators
- Recognition of God's Spirit in all works
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III
- The importance of spiritual discernment
- Understanding God's works through His Spirit
- Consequences of failing to recognize God in creation
Key Quotes
“They who speak thus are mad [insani], since they do not see thy works through thy Spirit, nor recognize thee in them.” — St. Augustine
“Thou didst not make them out of what was thine, but that they were already created elsewhere and from other sources.” — St. Augustine
“I heard this, O Lord my God, and drank up a drop of sweetness from thy truth.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Seek to discern God's presence in all aspects of creation through the Holy Spirit.
- Reject false teachings that diminish God's sovereignty over creation.
- Strengthen your faith by recognizing God's intentional and powerful work in the universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What false beliefs about creation does Augustine address?
He addresses the belief that God created the universe from pre-existing materials or under compulsion, and that hostile forces created some parts of the world.
Why does Augustine call those who hold these beliefs mad?
Because they fail to see God's works through His Spirit and do not recognize His sovereign hand in creation.
What is the significance of recognizing God's Spirit in creation?
It allows believers to understand the intentional and sovereign nature of God's work and to reject false doctrines.
How does this teaching impact Christian faith?
It strengthens faith in God's omnipotence and encourages spiritual discernment against erroneous teachings.