Justice Applied by the Episcopal Arbitrator: Augustine and the Implementation of Divine Justice

Abstract

The paper is concerned with Augustine’s palpable exercise of justice. While considering his stoic-inspired hierarchy of the laws, the focus here is on Augustine less as the philosopher and theologian, but rather as the decisionmaker and influential figure of his time. The question is of whether and how Augustine applies his comprehension of the divine agenda to the day-to-day legal conflicts in his bishop’s court. The paper looks at Augustine’s interpretation, perception and promotion of justice as judge and representative of his congregation.