Catholic Classics Day 3: Baptism and the Fruits of Learning (The Confessions of St. Augustine)
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Oct 4, 2023 St. Augustine questions his delayed baptism and links it to his struggles with vice; the power of sacraments and their role in sanctification; Augustine's disdain for studying Greek literature; the effects of books and media on our pursuits; the impact of education and consumption on individual character and growth.
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Augustine's Delayed Baptism
- As a child, St. Augustine was gravely ill and nearly received baptism.
- However, his recovery led to its postponement, raising questions about the timing of sacraments.
Sacraments as Grace
- Sacraments are not mere reset buttons but sources of grace for sanctification.
- Delaying baptism was common due to the rigorous penitential practices of the early Church.
Infant Baptism and Sanctification
- Infant baptism aligns with the understanding of sanctification as a lifelong process, not just a final state.
- Early Christians might have delayed baptism due to fear of major sins and subsequent difficult penance.