The Commentaries 2. The Confessions of St. Augustine: God and the Soul
Jan 8, 2024
Dive into the spiritual journey of Saint Augustine as explored by Dr. Paul Thigpen. Discover why Augustine’s work is hailed as the first Christian spiritual autobiography. The discussion reveals stunning insights into theology, human nature, and the divine paradoxes of God’s attributes. Augustine's reflections on mortality and his longing for God beautifully illustrate mankind's restlessness. Finally, contemplate the relationship between grace and free will, and listen to a heartfelt prayer for the soul’s restoration.
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A Life Used To Illuminate Truth
- Augustine frames the Confessions as a spiritual autobiography that examines theology, philosophy, and psychology through his life story.
- His personal journey reveals universal truths about human longing, sin, and God's work in the soul.
Read Augustine Devotionally First
- Be selective when reading Augustine: focus on passages of intense devotional significance rather than every philosophical detail.
- Reserve philosophical and psychological reflections for leisurely study while prioritizing spiritual application now.
A Public Prayer For Private Reformation
- Augustine writes the entire book as a prayer addressed to God, making private confession public for readers' benefit.
- He exposes his failures so readers can perceive the depths from which we cry to God and the nearness of a confessing heart.
