St. Augustine & Gothic Architecture

St. Augustine was the most influential philosopher of the Western Christian tradition, who also may have influenced Gothic Architecture as well. Augustine was always looking for answers on such topics like what drove us to do sin and he found part of the answer from the Manicheans. They believed that the reason there is evil in this world is because there really is no good power. Our soul is composed of light while our body which traps our divine souls is composed of darkness. So by looking inwards into our souls (the light) one can achieve happiness and salvation. Looking at Gothic Architecture, we can see the contrast of light and darkness in the churches. Outside is an ugly portrayal of a church, which almost seems dark and gloomy. Once you enter the church you can see many colored clerestory windows bring in the light from inside, illuminating the church in different colors and Bible stories. The outside of the church is evil and ugly signifying our bodies that our souls are trapped in. But, once you look in the inside you can see the true beauty in the soul. To get to that salvation of reaching the pureness and goodness of your soul you must then enter the church and become a Christian. So St. Augustine provided the philosophical way to experience the Beautific Vision, while the Gothic Churches themselves give the physical display of our bodies and souls.