Charles Robertson, Augustinian Ecclesiology and Predestination: An Intractable Problem?

Since the time of Harnack, it has become a commonplace among many Augustinian scholars that Augustine’s teaching on predestination is in insoluble tension with his insistence on the importance of maintaining ecclesial communion.  This tension arises from ambiguities concerning the relationship between God’s decree of predestination and his foreknowledge of each person’s ultimate destiny.  This paper will offer a critical assessment of three possible ways of resolving this tension. Charles Robertson                                                                         Houston TX Education University of St. Thomas, M.A. Philosophy                                                December, 2010 University of Saskatchewan, M.A. History                                                     October, 2008 Thesis Title:  Augustinian Themes in Lumen Gentium, 7-8 University of Saskatchewan, B.A. Honours                                                         May, 2004 Major: Philosophy Publications Augustine and Vatican II: A Broadening Conception of the Church? Studia Patristica, 48 (2010), 431-435. Papers and Presentations:    XV International Patristics Conference, Oxford, UK, 2007: Augustine and Vatican II: A Broadening Conception of the Church? Teaching Activities and Employment Center For Tutorial Services, University of St. Thomas, Houston                        Fall 2010 Tutor Duties:  General proofreading and editing students’ assignments, giving subject area assistance in Theology, Philosophy and History Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools                                                                     2008-2009 Educational Assistant Duties: Collaborating with the Classroom Teacher(s) to assist with the inclusion of a student, or students, with special needs in typical school, classroom, and community activities.  Kolbe Academy (Napa, California)                                                                                2008 Curriculum Developer Duties:  Creating a primary source based course on Medieval Church history and Apologetics for high school juniors University of Saskatchewan                                                                                 2004-2008 Teaching and Marking Assistant Duties:  Organizing and leading discussions on the course content of Ancient and Medieval History, grading essays and exams, assisting students with research and writing Service Universtity of St. Thomas (Houston, TX) Student Government Association      2010-2011 Graduate Student Senator University of Saskatchewan History Graduate Students’ Committee                 2006-2007 Social Director