Сorruption in the system of social and political views of Aurelius Augustine

Peter Kaufman, the professor of the University of Richmond, took interest in Augustine’s interpretation of corruption and, in his article with the characteristic title “Augustine and Corruption”, published in 2009, enters into controversy with several prominent researchers of late antiquity, including, for example, Ramsey McMullen, who are inclined to see in the views of the bishop of Hippo signs of indulgence and justification of the corruption.

In our article, we again turn to the problems of perception in connection with the socio-political views of the great father of the church. The epistolary legacy of Augustine has become the basis of our analysis. In his letters, among the addressees who are in high-ranking areas of general authority, judges, and fellow bishops, there is an ambivalent attitude towards the choice of personal contacts, the power in protecting the property rights of individuals and the whole church organisation, allowing to do ambiguous conclusions regarding support or denial of corruption ties as a solution to issues having socio-political values.

Augustine has a completely rational attitude towards the property. He understands the significance of material goods for existence in the conditions of the Earthly City. Being a person realising managerial functions, he cannot but defend the property rights of his organisation as its determination is based on them.

At the same time, the analysis of Augustine’s correspondence data allows us to discover a brand new approach to the perception of corruption in comparison with the well-known one. For him, venal practice does not consist in form, but in essence. He considers bribery and venality to be a complete evil, but he is ready to use connections with influential people for beneficial purposes, even if outwardly they may bear signs of abuse of influence and connections in the interest of third parties.

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