The Life of Augustine of Hippo
Part Three: The Pelagian Crisis (411–430)
Edited By Frederick Van Fleteren
Article 302: De anima et eius origine (2)
Extract
ARTICLE 302
De anima et eius origine (2)
After writing René, Augustine wrote to Pedro.1 The latter was embarrassed at what Victor had written. Augustine asked Pedro to send him what he had learned that they might rejoice together to approve some of what Victor had written as the Catholic truth and to correct Victor’s errors.2 If what Victor had said of Pedro himself was false, Augustine asks Pedro to assure him of its falsehood.3 He doubted the truth of what was said of Pedro. Augustine itemizes Victor’s errors and refutes them briefly. As Victor had submitted himself to Augustine’s judgment, he was obliged to show Victor his faults and Victor was obliged to correct them.4 Augustine places this letter to Pedro among his works less because of its length than because of its link to his earlier books on the origin and nature of the human soul.5
Augustine had no reason to doubt Victor had read his work to Pedro and René. Augustine addressed a letter to Pedro pointing out his corrections of Victor’s books and beliefs.6 Eleven articles were indicated as inexcusable and contrary to the faith.7 If obstinately defended, these propositions were heretical. Augustine obliges Victor to reject and condemn them without delay if he wishes to be truly Catholic.
If the devil brings you to defend stubbornly what is not pleasing to God, church pastors would be constrained to condemn these heretical opinions and their author before the...
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