Augustine's Definition Of Passions

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When loosely defined, passions are any sort of uncontrollable urge which compel both divine beings and humans to act in certain ways. Passions have been around since the beginning of humankind, and are also present among the gods in some ideologies. Depending on the belief system, these urges can be either fervent emotions or attachment to fine objects which can be attractive and distracting. While the definition for passions has this common thread running through all different religions and worldviews, how to deal with these passions differs between cultures. In Buddhism, these such urges are both tangible and intangible. The tangible objects, such as fine fabrics and cosmetics, are desirable, but are not believed to be necessary for …show more content…

Augustine’s Confessions shows an example of one of these desires, specifically one of lust and sexual relations intended solely for pleasure. Augustine writes that he “could not have been wholly content to confine sexual union to acts intended to procreate children, as your law prescribes, Lord.”[8] He states that he had went against the word of his Lord, and acted in an immoral way. Augustine also cites specific bible verses which prove that he had strayed from the word of God, later stating that if he had paid attention to these verses, he would “have been happier finding fulfillment in [God’s] embraces.”[9] Passions, in this case, are any malicious acts denounced in the Bible, which may affect one’s relationship with God. Also, controlling these passions can lead one closer to God and more content with his or her life, in a way somewhat like Buddhism. However, controlling passions according to Buddhism will lead someone to a state existing beyond life and death, while in Christianity, managing one’s passions will lead them to heaven in the afterlife. Furthermore, passions in Christianity can also include physical objects, such as in Buddhism. Augustine admits that these objects do have a certain beauty, but they also distract from the law of God. He states that “inferior goods have their delights, [but none are] comparable to my God who has made them all.”[10] In Christianity, passions are anything distracting or furthering from God, whether it be sinful actions or becoming too invested in vain

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