Augustine and human nature - Human relationships pre fall

The human will before the fall

Augustine's starting point is Genesis 1-3, where we are given the account of the creation of man and women, their relationship, their time in paradise and the natural world and God.

Until the fall humans enjoyed a time of harmony. This is expressed in the complete obedience Adam and Eve showed to God. 

Harmony according to Augustine is also a time when the human body, will and reason were all in co-operation with each other.

Will

The will is God-given and it was created along with humans from nothing. The will can chose to do good or evil and can choose to believe in God or reject him.

The will determines what kind of person we are and is also closely associated love.

Therefore the will is driven by self love and generous love. These are both necessary elements of the will. …