Unus Mediator et multi mediatores. Augustyńska koncepcja pośrednictwa

Abstract

The author of the article is searching for an answer to the question whether St. Augustine accepted the existence of only one mediator between God and people (unus mediator), or whether he admitted the possibility of mediation of other entities (multi mediatores). The text consists of three parts. The first presents Biblical grounds for the Augustinian conception of mediation. The next is a terminological analysis of the notions appearing in the writings of the Bishop of Hippo: mediatrix, mediatores, mediator. The last part undertakes the problem of mediation of people and objects. The analyses carried out have led to the following conclusions: 1) the notion of mediator is not reserved for Christ alone. Christ is the only true Mediator, but there are other false mediators. In the writings of the Bishop of Hippo, however, there is no terminological exdusivism; 2) Ontic and moral understanding of mediation exclude mediation of any other entity except Christ; 3) In an analogical sense a mediator can be the Church, sacraments, prayers, relics, people. Although St. Augustine does not use the term 'mediator' in relation to them, he endows them nevertheless with the qualities of an instrument, which God uses in order to grant people His mercy.