The Confessions of St. Augustine: Modern English Version

Augustine

Apr 2008 · Revell

About this ebook

Confessions is one of the most moving diaries ever recorded of a man's journey to the fountain of God's grace. Writing as a sinner, not a saint, Augustine shares his innermost thoughts and conversion experiences, and wrestles with the spiritual questions that have stirred the hearts of the thoughtful since time began. Starting with his childhood in Numidia, through his youth and early adulthood in Carthage, Rome, and Milan, readers will see Augustine as a human being, a fellow traveler on the road to salvation. Though staggering around potholes and roadblocks, all will find strength in Augustine's message: when the road gets rough, look to God! Previously released in 1977, this book invites readers to join Augustine in his quest that led him to be one of the most influential Christian thinkers in the history of the church.

Ratings and reviews

I read the 'Confessions' while I was working at a large insurance company and needed spiritual inspiration -- that it certainly delivered -- big time. Like many of the greatest literary works it is so timeless that it still reads as if it were written yesterday. 'Confessions,' is an antiquated term for autobiography rather than a literal 'confession' as we would think of today. So don't be put off by the title. It is basically the story of a rather rowdy young man from an upper-middle class or Patrician family in ancient Rome. He is literally a Pagan by inclination, lifestyle, and religious belief in polytheism. He is heedless regarding questions of morality and devotes himself to a life of pleasure. The turning point of the story is when his mother converts to the new religion of Christianity and eventually persuades her son Augustine to do the same, but not her husband who is devoted to his Pagan ways. It is a real page turner and deals with questions of morality, faith and atonement that we all confront today. And culminates with Augustine becoming a prominent force in the Church.

I loved how he started out with a brilliant mind and the arrogance that often attends but in life and time he discovered faith and was humbled incredibly and walked us through his transformation. No less brilliant but his natural curiosity morphed into supernatural illumination of his spirit. Grateful for the read.

A lot of people say they dont like the last three chapters but they were my favorite!

About the author

Augustine was born in AD 354. He lived a wild, self-destructive life as a young man in Italy and was the subject of many prayers by his worried mother, Monica. After a life-changing conversion, he lived on to become a tremendous influence on Christian thinking. He died in AD 430.