Augustine's Ideals

In Book Two Augustine’s focuses on the connection between signs and symbols. In a way he defines these forms as a type of language. As a society we usually associate signs with different interpretations. For example every religion has a form of symbol that signifies what it stands for. Augustine also focuses on the concept of translation. He talks about the important of understanding the particular language in which you are translating. When translating you must pay attention to the words and also the meaning of the sentence that is being conveyed. In terms of interpreting the Psalms I think that Augustine would be furious with our interpretations. Everyone has different interpretations based on their identity, culture, and environment and so on. Augustine has this ideal that the Psalms has a pure interpretation, which is being conveyed. I think Augustine’s ideals about the connection between signs and symbols interesting. It actually ties back into our definition of religion defined by Clifford Geertz. I personally think that sometimes a lot can be lost in translation. However I think the Psalms is a universal scripture, which will have multiple interpretations considering that it is for a wide range of audiences.