Abstract
In the context of generally negative affirmations on Augustine's view of sexuality and marriage, this paper tries to demonstrate some key points of his doctrine regarding the matrimony. It follows his early writings to note how the Author's thought develops in time.
The polemics with the Manicheans brings Augustine to affirm that the marriage is a good that brings sanctification to both Christians and non-Christians. The polemics with Jovinian clarifies his views on place of man in the God's creation and on the place of marriage after the man's fall, bringing Augustine to the classical definition of three goods of marriage: children, fidelity and the sacred sign.
The polemics with Julian of Aeclanum forces Augustine to re-visit again and to defend his doctrine in face of charges of its contamination by Manichean heresy. Finally, the article finds an echo of Augustine's view in the current tradition of the Church, represented by the present Pope Benedict XVI.