1. List and describe the key questions or dilemmas facing Augustine.

2. Read Genesis 1-3 in a modern translation of the Bible. How did Augustine interpret this passage? Why are Augustine's views on the nature of God, the nature of human beings, creation, sin, grace, love, and will central to his ethics? What are cupiditas and caritas? What is the meaning of Augustine's image of pilgrimage?

3. What is the summum bonum according to Augustine? Why is it the summum bonum? Why is it be preferred to various alternatives? How is it achieved? (Note the important role of caritas.) Compare and contrast Augustine's views to those of Aristotle.

4. What is Augustine's understanding of virtue? How does he treat the Greek cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice? See On the Morals of the Catholic Church.

5. Define Manicheanism. Why did Augustine originally find it attractive? Why did he reject it? Explain the difference between monism and dualism.

6. What is theodicy or the problem of evil? How does Augustine address it?

7. Why do scholars label Augustine a neo-Platonist? Why were the concepts of the chain or ladder of being and evil as the absence of good important to Augustine?

8. How does Augustine address the problems of foreknowledge and free will in Book 5 of the City of God?

9. Explain and evaluate Augustine's injunction, "Love God and do what you will."

10. How does Augustine define the City of God and the City of Man? What roles do they play in history?

11. How would you compare Augustine and Plato?

12. Is Christian ethics distinct from other forms of ethics? If so, what would distinguish it? If not, why not?