Augustinianism

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430) was an exceptionally influential theologian whose teachings on sin, predestination, the church, and the integration of Platonic philosophy with Christian theology indelibly shaped the Western Church for the next 1,000 years. Augustine's system of thought—collectively termed Augustinianism—essentially begins with the total depravity of human nature, meaning all humans are fundamentally incapable of any positive response to God (i.e., faith). As a result, only those whom God predestines (through election) are capable of turning toward God in faith.