Great Books II   Spring 2014

 

January 6

I-III

  1. How does Augustine view himself?

  2. How does God view him?

  3. What does it mean to "confess"?

  4. Why do we sin?

  5. Why are there no blind cigarette smokers?

  6. How can confession involve both praise and sin?

  7. Interpret Monica's vision.
  8. Formulate an Augustinian definition for sin and its consequences.

 

 

 

 

Pain & Pleasure

January 9 

IV-VI

  1. How is sin the same as suffering?
  2. Must sin precede praise as confession?
  3. Identify all things that may precede praise and how they come about. Draw a picture.
  4. Describe the influence of each of Augustine's mentors on his spiritual journey.

 

Burning Questions

January 13

VII-IX

  1. Do the "pick up and read" simulation for yourself.
  2. Identify all things that may precede praise and how they come about. Draw a picture.
  3. Based on Augustine's experience, what steps must be present in order for conversion to occur? What are the essentials?
  4. Why does God allow evil in the world?
  5. What effect does Monica's death have on Augustine?
  6. In his dialogue "Meno", Plato says: "There is no teaching, but only recollection." What would Augustine say about this statement?
  7. Why are we lost? What is the root problem?

 

January 16

X-XIII

  1. Does Augustine ever experience punishment to fit his crime?
  2. Why are the issues of time and creation important to Augustine?
  3. Read "Burnt Norton" from T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets. Bring a copy to class.
  4. What is the relationship between the self and memory?
  5. Augustine describes three selves in chapter XIII. How does each one tie to conversion?