Aurelius Augustine in the Orthodox Tradition – Basic Topoi of Distinction

What is the attitude toward Aurelius Augustine in the Eastern Church after the schism of 1054 and in contemporary times? Although he is regarded as one of the respected Fathers of the Church and known as the “Teacher of the West,” Augustine is not included among the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church. This exclusion is primarily due to his Trinitarian theology, in which many see a precursor to the Filioque controversy. Augustine’s doctrine of original sin and its implications also contribute to this distinction. His views on original sin are foundational to his understanding of free will and divine grace, which were developed in opposition to Pelagianism. Some Orthodox theologians criticize Augustine for his position in the dogmatic controversy with Pelagianism, particularly his emphasis on man’s ability to achieve goodness through his own efforts. Augustine is also accused of neglecting the concept of free will in favor of divine grace and predestination, leading some to view him as a precursor to Calvin’s doctrine of predestination. To this day, some Orthodox thinkers find Augustine’s ideas problematic.