Confessions - Book Xii - Chapter Xxxi
St. Augustine emphasizes the multifaceted truths within Scripture, advocating for a humble acceptance that multiple interpretations can coexist under divine inspiration.
In this teaching sermon, St. Augustine explores the richness and depth of Scripture, emphasizing that multiple interpretations can coexist as true under God's divine inspiration. He encourages humility in theological reflection and acknowledges the limits of human understanding while affirming the profound wisdom contained in Moses' writings. Augustine invites believers to appreciate the multifaceted nature of biblical truth and to remain open to discovering deeper insights.
Text
42. Thus, when one man says, \"Moses meant what I mean,\" and another says, \"No, he meant what I do,\" I think that I speak more faithfully when I say, \"Why could he not have meant both if both opinions are true?\" And if there should be still a third truth or a fourth one, and if anyone should seek a truth quite different in those words, why would it not be right to believe that Moses saw all these different truths, since through him the one God has tempered the Holy Scriptures to the understanding of many different people, who should see truths in it even if they are different? Certainly--and I say this fearlessly and from my heart--if I were to write anything on such a supreme authority, I would prefer to write it so that, whatever of truth anyone might apprehend from the matter under discussion, my words should re-echo in the several minds rather than that they should set down one true opinion so clearly on one point that I should exclude the rest, even though they contained no falsehood that offended me. Therefore, I am unwilling, O my God, to be so headstrong as not to believe that this man [Moses] has received at least this much from thee. Surely when he was writing these words, he saw fully and understood all the truth we have been able to find in them, and also much besides that we have not been able to discern, or are not yet able to find out, though it is there in them still to be found.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Different interpretations of Scripture can all hold truth
- Moses' writings contain multiple layers of meaning
- God’s word is adaptable to diverse understandings
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II
- The importance of humility in theological conclusions
- Avoiding exclusion of valid truths in favor of one opinion
- Recognizing the limits of human understanding
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III
- The divine origin of Scripture as a source of multiple truths
- Encouragement to seek deeper truths beyond current comprehension
- Trusting in God’s wisdom in Scripture’s complexity
Key Quotes
“Why could he not have meant both if both opinions are true?” — St. Augustine
“I am unwilling, O my God, to be so headstrong as not to believe that this man [Moses] has received at least this much from thee.” — St. Augustine
“Surely when he was writing these words, he saw fully and understood all the truth we have been able to find in them, and also much besides that we have not been able to discern.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Approach Scripture with humility, recognizing that multiple interpretations can hold truth.
- Avoid rigid dogmatism and be open to diverse perspectives within biblical teaching.
- Trust that deeper spiritual truths may be revealed over time through continued study and reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Augustine believe multiple interpretations can be true?
He argues that Scripture is divinely inspired to convey various truths to different people, allowing multiple valid understandings.
What is the role of humility in interpreting Scripture according to Augustine?
Humility prevents believers from dogmatically excluding other valid interpretations and acknowledges human limitations.
Does Augustine reject any interpretations of Scripture?
No, he prefers to accept all interpretations that contain no falsehood and sees value in diverse perspectives.
How does Augustine view Moses’ writings?
He believes Moses fully understood the truths he conveyed and that there are still undiscovered truths within his words.