Augustines Tribute to his Mother Monica Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Augustines Tri ande to his Mother Monica - Essay shellAugustine commented later in his life that, to her merit, I think, I owe everything that is best in me. (Bonner, p.38)Monica has been raised in a Christian family with the traditional customs of the African Church. She was not, however, given a formal education. She was married to Patricius, who was not a Christian. And, as with her son, she prayed continually for her husband, and waited in silence, so that at the end of his earthly existence he converted to God. (Bourke, p.148)Monicas strict teachings about sin and faith inflicted a tormenting burden on her son or else than supplying inner peace. His Confessions witnesses to the painful struggle of faith that such an education promoted. However, Augustine never mentions his mother in any negative way. The commitment and venerate of Monica is valued as the basis of Augustines faith. The simple teaching and stupefy of Christianity, given to him in his youth would last a lifetim e. Nevertheless, Monicas direct influence on her son act only until he was shaken as a result of his intellectual experience through books. (Brown, p.31)Monica is to a greater extent than just a doting housewife rather, she is a handmaid of God whose pious living, prayer, and visionary earnestness bring Augustine to a spiritual birth in his conversion. Monica belonged to Numidian society where culture provides no circumstance to women and they play only a submissive role despite all their positivity and diligence. They were vulnerable to mens violence in routine. It was surprising for other women that Monica didnt have any scars or other signs of her husbands violence on her face or body. She explained them that her husband was also very strict but for past many days she had adopted the policy of silence and quiet obedience and finally been able to strengthen bond of love with her children by being submissive to her husband and gradually succeeded to convert them according to h er will (Hunter, p. 63-85). This conventional sight of marriage was then inherited by Augustine also and he believed the relation of husband and wife class of master and slave which worsened womens status in the society. He even justifies men for practicing violence everywhere their wives. According to him the sole purpose of marriages was procreation. (Stark, p. 57-58) Monica Compared with Rebekah of GenesisRebekah is a godly character from Genesis, and possesses all the attributes of sacred women but if we analyze her character and compare it with that of Monica we realize that she was not as submissive to her husband as Monica. She had lap of patience and was powerful enough to decide when to bow down before the husbands will and when to resist. She believed that as a Godly woman it was her duty to realize weaknesses of her husband and must pray to god to overcome them in addition to her own efforts. She also seems to be bold enough to face her husband as she make her son Ja cob to go against his father. Whereas, having no ifs and buts, Monica was evidently submissive to her