Augustine and the Catechumenate

by William Harmless SJ, Allan Fitzgerald OSA (Foreword)

As one of the most influential thinkers in Christian history, St. Augustine (354–430) had a flair for teaching and meditated deeply on the mysteries of the human heart. This study examines a little-known side of his his work as a teacher of candidates for baptism.

ln the revised edition of this seminal book, both the text and notes have been revised to better reflect the state of contemporary scholarship on Augustine, liturgical studies, and the catechumenate, both ancient and modern. This edition also includes new findings from some of the recently discovered sermons of Augustine and incorporates new perspectives from recent research on early Christian biblical interpretation, debates on the Trinity, the evolution of the liturgy, and much more.

This reconstruction of Augustine’s catechumenate provides fresh perspectives on the day-to-day life of the early church and on the vibrancy and eloquence of Augustine the preacher and teacher.

Genres: Theology, Church History

504 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Josef Muench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harmless gives the preacher/catechist a lot to think about here. This was a great read and will be fodder for years to come. Harmless' discussion is at the same time scholarly and accessible, and he does a great job giving detail and summarizing main points at the end of chapters. Above all, the great strength of the book is Harmless' devotion not just to analyze what Augustine said, but to draw out his assumptions for what Christian catechesis is, how it takes place, and what its goal is. Harmless gives an in-depth look at Augustine's rhetorical style, liturgical context, social context, and many other things that not only give the reader information about Augustine, but offer considerations for how his insights and methods might inform our own catechesis today. Above all, for Augustine, it is the entire person - mind, body, and spirit - who is to be catechized. The goal is not simply changed minds, but above all changed hearts and lives - a transformation that happens only by the grace of God, but working through the careful and dedicated formation on the part of catechists and the body into which catechumens enter.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

While doing research for a paper in an ecclesiology course, I read this wonderful book investigating how Saint Augustine catechized men and women coming into the Church. It’s scholarly for sure, but it’s not inaccessible by any means to interested readers, especially those involved in RCIA ministry or any other type of Christian formation. Father Harmless does a wonderful job painting a picture of a vibrant, even raucous church under Augustine’s leadership, and he shows how we can apply lessons from the saint’s methods to catechizing Christians today. I’ll definitely be hanging onto this book for future reference even after my ecclesiology course is over.

[Joyce Donahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great background for the RCIA

This analysis of how Augustine formed catechism is not only good information about methodology for RCIA instruction, it's inspiring. I came away with a greater appreciation of Augustine and his preaching ability as well as how much of himself and his convictions he brought to the formation process.

[Jan-Jaap van Peperstraten · Rating 5 out of 5]

An erudite, well-researched study of how St. Augustine and his contemporaries prepared adult candidates for baptism. Chock-a-block with fascinating historical detail and rich theological commentary. Worth every penny.

[Linda Trostle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harmless offers good advice for anyone thinking of becoming a catechist.

[Catherine]

Read Ch. 4 for class; the entire book is fascinating and I am now very much a fan of Augustine.