augustine first instruction

The Latin title of this work (De Catechizandis Rudibus) might just as well be translated something like: "On Instructing Beginners in the Christian Faith." Remember that when Augustine is writing this text (approx. 400 A.D.), Christians still make up no more than 10 to 15% of the population of the Roman Empire. So when most people come to Augustine to ask about Christianity, they really don't know the first thing about it (just like many of us).

1. So when these "beginners" -- those interested in the Christian faith -- come to Augustine, what does he teach them about? What, in other words, makes up the "subject matter" of his "instruction"?

2. Augustine tells his listeners (and readers) that "all the things that we read in the Holy Spritures written before our Lords' coming" were written "for no other reason" than what?

3. What was the "chief reason," according to Augustine (of which he says, "what greater reason could there be), for the Lord's coming?

4. In section 8 of his text, Augustine give as nice a summary of the traditional Christian understanding of the message of the Bible and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments as has ever been written. Please be able to give the essential elements of his description.

5. Starting in ch. 18 (section 29), Augustine begins the historical part of his instruction. Note that he covers the following events:

* The creation of all things.
* The creation of man and woman.
* Paradise
* The flood.
* Abraham and the chosen people
* The ministry of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and Prophets
* Israel's bondage in Egypt.
* Moses, the Passover, and the deliverance through the Red Sea.
* The Decalogue (a.k.a., the Ten Commandments)
* The city of Jerusalem founded. Kingship of David.
* The Babylonian Captivity.
* Subjugation to the Romans.
* Continued prophecies of the deliverer to come -- the Christ (or Messiah)

You should be able to show how, for Augustine, these things in the Old Testament pre-figure Christ and His Church.

6. What, according to St. Augustine, are the "six ages" of the world? Be able to describe each.

7. In ch. 23 (section 41), Augustine talks briefly about the events that have transpired since the death of Christ. What are they?