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The restless heart and searching mind of this influential early church father can offer spiritual and intellectual companionship for your spiritual journey.
Augustine of Hippo (354–430), theologian, priest, and bishop, is one of the most important figures in the development of Western Christianity. He is known as much for his long interior struggle that ended with conversion and baptism at age thirty-two as for his influential teachings on human will, original sin and the theology of just war. Cherished as a model for the pursuit of a life of spiritual grace and criticized for his theory of predestination, Augustine is recognized as a living expression of the passion to understand and communicate the deeper meanings of human experience.
With fresh translations drawn from Augustine's voluminous writings and probing facing-page commentary, Augustinian scholar Joseph T. Kelley, PhD, provides insight into the mind and heart of this foundational Christian figure. Kelley illustrates how Augustine’s keen intellect, rhetorical skill and passionate faith reshaped the theological language and dogmatic debates of early Christianity. He explores the stormy religious arguments and political upheavals of the fifth century, Augustine’s controversial teachings on predestination, sexuality and marriage, and the deep undercurrents of Augustine’s spiritual quest that still inspire Christians today.
"Rescues the eloquence and relevance of Saint Augustine for contemporary readers. This is a book for students, scholars—and any earnest seeker in search of a great companion."
—James Carroll, author, Practicing Catholic and Constantine's Sword
"An important contribution…. Combines both the technical expertise of an Augustine scholar and the communication skills that make his work appealing to [non-scholarly] readers. One can only hope that this book is the first of many on Saint Augustine to flow from Dr. Kelley's pen."
—Donald X. Burt, OSA, professor emeritus, Villanova University
“Becoming acquainted with Christianity necessarily entails encountering Saint Augustine. Joseph Kelley’s illuminating anthology is a compelling introduction to the ancient church’s most profound thinker.”
—Professor Jane E. Merdinger, Augustinian Heritage Institute; author, Rome and the African Church in the Time of Augustine
Preface
Introduction
A Note on the Translation
Part One:The Journey of Faith
Unquiet Hearts
Keep On Moving
Searching Minds
Faith Seeking Understanding
Doubt and Skepticism
The Will to Believe
Give Me Chastity—But Not Yet
The Will to Power
The Divided Will
Part Two: Through Sin to Grace
The Devil Made Me Do It
Our Sins Are Our Own
Original Sin
The Disorder in Sin
The Nature of Evil
Paralysis of Will
Saved by Grace: The Pelagian Controversy
Give What You Command
Conversion
Predestination
Reconsideration
Part Three: Intent upon God
Knowing God
Loving God
God as Trinity
Jesus Christ
The Holy Spirit
Loving One Another
Friendship
Community
The Church
The Donatists
The Sacraments
Ministry
Prayer
Part Four: While in the World
Creation
Concupiscence
Marriage
Women
Politics
Justice
War
Peace
Death
Suggestions for Further Study
Index of Texts