Augustine’s theology reinforced a hierarchical system in which mediation between God and humanity was controlled by the clergy. His emphasis on Christ as both fully divine and fully human created logical tensions—if Christ was too divine, He would be too distant to be an effective mediator or example. This theological framework conveniently supported the Church’s growing authority, as it positioned priests as the necessary link between believers and God. Augustine’s prominence within this system was not just theological but also institutional, as his ideas helped solidify the clergy’s unique status.
The Reformation sought to dismantle clerical mediation, but in many ways, it only replaced one structure with another. While Reformers like Luther and Calvin rejected the necessity of priests as intermediaries, they still relied on figures like Augustine to validate their theological positions. Sola Scriptura should have led them to dismiss such reliance, but they selectively used Augustine when it served their purposes. This exposed an inconsistency—while they opposed Catholic hierarchy, they maintained their own forms of authority over biblical interpretation.
Ultimately, religious movements that claim to remove human mediation often create new forms of it. Whether through priests, theologians, or institutional doctrine, authority tends to concentrate in the hands of those who interpret and enforce religious teachings. If true direct access to God were prioritized, adherence to fallible historical figures like Augustine would not have been necessary. However, the need for structure, legitimacy, and control often overrides the commitment to pure theological consistency.
Stephen D Green and ChatGPT, March 2025
