I would like to point out the quote in book one, section 19: "Is this boyhood innocence? No, Lord, it is not; hear me, dear God, it is not. These same sins grow worse as we grow older...it was only the small stature of a child that you mentioned with approval as a symbol of humility..." In this quote, Augustine asserts that children must hold responsibility for their crimes in the same way adults do. He clarifies that adult punishments are only larger because their crimes are typically more severe after all children aren't capable of real crime in most cases. I struggle with this idea because I am convinced one can't "sin," or commit a crime without knowing what they are doing is actually wrong. My evidence of this is that in a court of law people are tried differently based on their age. Augustine, throughout the three books, holds himself fully accountable for everything he ever did, said or thought but my question is, though this may seem responsible, is it fair?
I think this is a really good point. Augustine throughout the book holds himself responsible for the sins/crimes he committed regardless of his age. Although this may seem like the noble thing to do, always holding himself accountable for his actions. I don't think it is fair or practical to hold a child who isn't necessarily mature enough to always distinguish right from wrong, and has yet to fully develop their moral compass to a full grown adult.
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