著者

梅原 久美子

出版者

宗教哲学会

雑誌

宗教哲学研究 (ISSN:02897105)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.9, pp.51-64, 1992 (Released:2018-03-21)

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Augustine interpreted Genesis, 2, 2-3 from various angles in his “De genesi ad litteram.” The process of the interpretation is so complicated that we cannot grasp his intention at a glance. This article intends to clarify the relation between allegorical meaning and literal meanings of God’s rest. At first, Augustine interpreted God’s rest in a perfect allegorical way, that is, man’s eschatological rest in God. Secondly, his efforts are concentrated on literal meanings, namely, God’s government over creatures and God’s eternal beatitude. But in the course of investigation about literal meanings, Augustine made references to several allegorical meanings. It seems a little strange. How can we grasp his intention? The clue to the solution of this problem is in the relation between allegorical meanings and literal meanings. Augustine’s allegorical interpretation includes typological interpretation. Typological interpretation of the Old Testament is based upon historical meanings, and at the same time, it guides men to future meanings, which are realized or promised in the New Testament. The allegorical interpretation of God’s rest is also a typological interpretation. Therefore, it is based upon historical, literal meanings on the one side, and it can signify future, eschatological meanings on the other side. Conclusion: Augustine’s manifold interpretations of God’s rest are divided into three levels of meaning. The deepest level is God’s eternal beatitude, and on this deepest level of meaning, man can understand creation as God’s gracious works. Out of this gracious work develops God’s government over creatures as Conservation in general, but especially, over man as God’s consideration for man’s salvation, that is soteriological level of meaning. The aim of this consideration is man’s ultimate rest in God, that is, eschatological level of meaning. God’s will, which is found in creation as God’s gracious work, penetrates into every level of meaning. In this way, Augustine’s interpretations of God’s rest are extended to soteriological and eschatological dimensions.