| Abstract [eng] |
The thesis examines the representation of invisible reality in Saint Augustine‘s commentaries on the Book of Genesis, focusing on the relationship between biblical exegesis, philosophy, and anti-Manicaean polemics. The study argues that Augustine‘s interpretation of Genesis is not merely an interpretative exercise, but also a philosophical project through which he develops a coherent Christian ontology. By analyzing Augustine‘s Genesis commentaries chronologically, the thesis demonstrates how his understanding of light and matter evolves in response to Manichaean dualism and in dialogue with Neoplatonic philosophy. The work begins by outlining the main features of Manichaean cosmology, especially its radical dualism between the eternal principles of light and darkness. Augustine, who spent part of his youth as a Manichaean hearer, later rejected this worldview and sought to construct an alternative Christian cosmology, grounded in the doctrine of creation ex nihilo. Particular attention is given to Augustine‘s hermeneutical methods. According to him, biblical language frequently uses visible and material imagery to express invisible realities accessible only to the intellect. This hermeneutical principle becomes central to Augustine‘s interpretation of Genesis and allows him to integrate philosophical concepts into biblical exegesis without abandoning the authority of Scripture. The study highlights Augustine‘s reinterpretation of primordial matter as a passive potentiality created by God rather than an eternal principle opposed to divine goodness. In this context, the thesis also discusses the influence of Greek philosophy, especially Plato, Aristotle, and Plotinus, on Augustine‘s developing metaphysics. A major theme throughout the thesis is Augustine‘s transformation of the concept of light. While Manichaeism understood light spacially, Augustine increasingly interprets light as spiritual and intellectual. Infuenced by Neoplatonic “light metaphysics,“ he identifies divine light with truth and intelligibility rather than physical luminosity. This shift becomes especially important in his later commentaries, where created spiritual light is associated with angels and invisible creation. The thesis also examines Augustine‘s reflections on time and eternity. Augustine argues that time itself is created together with the world, meaning that God‘s act of creation occurs outside temporal succession. This distinction between eternal Creator and temporal creation becomes foundational for his broader ontology. Additionally, the study investigates Augustine‘s understanding of angels as the first creatures and as mediators between God and the rest of creation. |
