How did St. Augustine view monsters?

Answer 1

St. Augustine viewed monsters as manifestations of chaos and disorder, often representing the moral and spiritual struggles of humanity. In his writings, particularly in "The City of God," he interpreted monsters as symbols of sin and the fallen state of the world, contrasting them with the divine order established by God. Augustine believed that such creatures could serve as reminders of the need for redemption and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Thus, monsters in his thought were not merely physical beings but embodied deeper theological and philosophical meanings.