Abstract

This study takes a close look at Saint Augustine's understanding of the church as it developed during the North African Schism. Although Augustine grew in many ways, the emphasis in this work is concerned with themes that surfaced through his interactions with Donatism. The first section seeks to explore significant events and ideas that proceeded Augustine's direct involvement in the schism. This section, consisting of chapters 1-3, accentuates important contextual information for understanding Augustine's ecclesial development within its proper context. Section two focuses primarily on Augustine at the height of his role within the schism. It examines important ecclesial themes such as the church as people on pilgrimage and Jesus the healing physician and his church as the wounded yet healing community. These were central in the developing ecclesiastical debate. In the course of responding to the Donatists' claims, the thesis argues that through his direct involvement with the Donatist schism, in his own spiritual journey and in his role as bishop of the church of Hippo, Augustine's response to specific issues raised during the debate, made him the leading voice of authority for the Catholic community at an important time of transition within the local African church as well as the Roman empire