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Salvation As The Path Towards Term Paper

Augustine did not specifically enumerate or identify these. Consistent in his arguments, however, is to live life in accordance to His will, among which he recommended acquainting one's self with the Christian doctrine (as he did so himself when he sought the Christian faith). In this section, salvation from sin is achieved by seeking God's forgiveness and will for humankind. While St. Augustine did not specifically identified good works as one of the criterion in following God's will, this inevitably became the Christian value in making one's self pleasing in God's eyes. By committing good works and observing good behavior, one inevitably makes himself/herself "good" in the eyes of others, and similarly, to God as well. Thus, goodness -- recognizing God's regard and love for humanity -- is the best way to achieve salvation. Though St. Augustine posits that salvation is already a gift that God has given to humanity, it is still vital, for him, for the individual to follow God's will to have His forgiveness -- in effect, achieving salvation through this.

Conclusion: Salvation is the path towards goodness, creating humanity's purpose in life

From the preceding sections, the development of the main thesis is discussed and analyzed. What these discussions tell us is that in the "Confessions," the theme of salvation is very dominant,...

Augustine explicated on issues concerning good works and behavior committed by humankind. It is worth noting that while St. Augustine discussed these issues in the book, he did not allude this from an impersonal or 'outsider's point-of-view; rather, he discussed these issues by referring to his personal experiences (mainly). It is through his life example that he was able to explain more, and in detail, how salvation is achieved -- in the same manner in which he achieved it when he converted to Christianity later in his life.
Ultimately, "Confessions" tells its readers that Salvation is the primary mover, influencer, and factor that drive humanity to the path of goodness, whether this is prescribed by Christianity, or by St. Augustine himself. This is because it is only through 'goodness' -- committing good works and observing good behavior -- that humanity is able to incite God's forgiveness, absolving it from its sins, in effect, achieving salvation in different, unique ways.

Bibliography

St. Augustine. (1994). Confessions of St. Augustine. a. Outler (Ed.). Dallas: Southern Methodist UP.

Vashum, a. (2005). "Liberation as a Theological Theme: Exploring the Theme of Liberation in the Works of Some Selected Theologians." Asia Journal of Theology, Vol. 19, Issue 2.

Sources used in this document:
Bibliography

St. Augustine. (1994). Confessions of St. Augustine. a. Outler (Ed.). Dallas: Southern Methodist UP.

Vashum, a. (2005). "Liberation as a Theological Theme: Exploring the Theme of Liberation in the Works of Some Selected Theologians." Asia Journal of Theology, Vol. 19, Issue 2.
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