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St. Augustine


            
             In the Confessions, Saint Augustine addressed himself articulately and passionately to the persistent questions that stirred the minds and hearts of men since time began. What is a sin, and where does evil come from? After wrestling with these questions for an entire lifetime, Saint Augustine concluded upon a very discernable notion on what sin was. The concept of sin and evil is laced throughout the entire book of Confessions. It was not created by God, conversely, sin is nothingness. According to St. Augustine, sin comes via free-will. .
             Saint Augustine argues that sin is the result "of a more freely chosen sin, because I was a son of Adam." (VIII, x, pg 149). Sin also arises from two conflicting wills found inside of humans. "So there are two wills." (VIII, ix, pg 148) Following one path of will, can lead man to righteousness; while at the same time, going in the other direction will lead a man to evil and sin. The latter is the will which the common man abides by. Early on in Saint Augustine's life, he followed the same evil will inherent in humans. It is the will more commonly associated with physical pleasures. As Augustine grew older and wiser, he began to listen to the virtuous will. He began to be more adhering to God's spoken laws. However, Augustine regrets sinful acts which he committed early on in his life.
             In Saint Augustine Confession's, Augustine believes he stole the fruit for the mere enjoyment of the sin and the theft which the stealing involved. He says "Now let my heart tell you what it was seeking there in that I became evil for no reason. I had no motive for my wickedness except wickedness itself. It was foul, and I loved it." (II, iv, pg 29) Augustine knew exactly what he was doing at the time of the crime, but he did not care to think about the outcome of his actions. Augustine only cared that the deed which he participated in was undeniably forbidden.


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