Summary of text [comment] page 82
[For the Manichaean, the passions were material and reason was spiritual.
The participation of the flesh and the recognition of reason belonged to one conflicting actuality.
The Manichean view fits an intersection.]
[In this way, Augustine defeated the Manicheans.
Today, Augustine points to the influence of each woman struggling in a world of ideological constructs.
These ideologies want to destroy her baby. They claim that babies are not convenient. Recognize this.
Plus, they call for the woman to reject her helper. Participate on your own. You will be your own salvation.
Like in the Manichean world, evil babies stand at the intersection of recognition and participation.]
Summary of text [comment] page 82
[Today, we may appreciate the brilliance of Augustine’s gambit.
The man will follow the woman.
After all, the man evolved to be the woman’s helper.
The woman will always lead her man by putting him in charge.]
[Baptism is a wonderful sacrament.
The waters of baptism wash away the inevitability of material corruption.
The water of baptism confirm the observation (that the baby, even though material, was not evil) over the claims of the men folk and the Manichean philosophers.]
[Once Augustine makes the case, the men folk wonder, “Could the corruption of our material world come from some sort of horrible accident at the founding of our world?”
Meanwhile, the women baptize their babies.]
Summary of text [comment] page 82
[To me, the preceding scenario demonstrates Augustine’s genius. He provides an intellectual distraction that veils the undeniable claims of the Manichean philosophers.
“Observe the world”, the Manichean argues, “and see that matter is corruptible and the spirit is incorruptible.”
Yes, it was obvious to the men folk, but every mother knows different.
“Observe my baby,” each mother says to herself, “and see that this little bundle of joy is pure original innocence.”
“Just like,” Augustine pipes in, “Adam and Eve in Paradise.”]
[Baptism provides the grace to overcome Original Sin.
Baptism brings us back to the original innocence (but not the perfection) of Adam and Eve.]
[Through Adam, our corruptible mortal flesh smothers and misdirects our eternal spiritual spark.
It does not matter whether we are literally descended from Adam’s loins or whether Adam somehow represented all humanity.
We all know the punchline: When Adam sinned, we all fell.]
