We know that in the Epistle to the Philippians the apostle said, "To write the same things to you to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe;" yet the same apostle, writing to the Galatians, when he saw that he had done enough among them of what he regarded as being needful for them, by the ministry of his preaching, said, "For the rest let no man cause me labour," or as it is read in many codices, "Let no one be troublesome to me." But although I confess that it causes me trouble that the divine word in which the grace of God is preached (which is absolutely no grace if it is given according to our merits), great and manifest as it is, is not yielded to, nevertheless my dearest sons, Prosper and Hilary, your zeal and brotherly affection-which makes you so reluctant to see any of the brethren in error, as to wish that, after so many books and letters of mine on this subject, I should write again from here-I love more than I can tell, although I do not dare to say that I love it as much as I ought. Wherefore, behold, I write to you again. And although not with you, yet through you I am still doing what I thought I had done sufficiently.
Immerse yourself in the timeless legacy of Augustin Hippone through a succinct summary of 'The Confessions of Saint Augustine,' a monumental spiritual autobiography that revolutionized Christian literature. Summary: Augustin Hippone's "The Confessions of Saint Augustine" is a riveting autobiographical work that explores the intricacies of faith, human frailty, and the pursuit of divine truth. Penned in the late 4th century by Saint Augustine of Hippo, an influential theologian, this magnum opus remains a cornerstone in Christian literature and Western philosophy. “The Confessions” is framed as a series of earnest dialogues with God, chronicling Saint Augustine's journey from a tumultuous youth to his profound conversion to Christianity. His soul-searching narrative delves into an array of themes including the nature of time, memory, and the human soul, as well as the redemptive power of faith. This masterwork's candid introspection and the portrayal of spiritual transformation have cemented its status as a paradigm for modern spiritual autobiographies. Readers across ages find resonance with Saint Augustine’s personal struggles and epiphanies, making "The Confessions" an enduring source of inspiration and solace for those on their own spiritual quests. In the contemporary realm, Augustin Hippone's “The Confessions” serves as a gateway to understanding the historical and theological landscape of early Christianity, and remains an invaluable resource for scholars, theologians, and spiritual seekers alike.
As with very many of Augustine’s works, Instructing Beginners in Faith is a response to a request, an answer to questions put to him by others. In this case we know from the first words of the work itself that the one making the request is named Deogratias (Augustine calls him “brother”), and a couple of lines later we learn that he is a deacon in Carthage, the principal city of Proconsular Africa, where he enjoys popularity as a teacher of the faith. In the most general terms, he wanted Augustine to send him “something in writing which might be of use to him on the question of instructing beginners in faith (de catechizandis rudibus)”. The term rudes in this expression referred specifically to people who were approaching the Church for the first time with the wish to become Christians. Instructing Beginners in Faith has been frequently and creatively adapted to serve the needs of education in faith in many different contexts, including the education of clergy and religious education more generally. The two model catecheses that Augustine sketches not only continue to have relevance today but also provide an important insight into his understanding of the use of scripture and tradition. Augustine's awareness of the problems that religious educators face demonstrates his profound grasp of the human condition. Written as a reflection on the most suitable way of communicating the heart of Christian faith to those applying for membership of the Church.
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