Confessions: St Augustine

by Ben O'Rourke

Confessions is perhaps the most important spiritual autobiography of it chronicles Saint Augustine’s wild, dissonant youth and subsequent conversion to Christianity, as well as providing significant divine and philosophical insight. Bestselling author, Fr Benignus O’Rourke OSA, provides a new and luminescent translation of Confessions, his beautiful and eloquent prose shedding new light on the various shades of meaning in Saint Augustine’s meditations and stories. Each book is prefaced with an introduction providing further accessibility and depth of understanding to this seminal work.

Genres: Christian

417 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2013

Reviews

[Leliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words for this magnificent book. Every chapter, a miracle.

[Micah Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian should read this book. It wrestles with big questions and comes to moving and important conclusions.

[Pbramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable

There are quite a few translations of Augustine’s Confessions, many of them recent; this is the most readable if not the most eloquent. It has something of the feel of Eugene Peterson’s rendering of the Bible, “The Message”. It has a thoroughly contemporary tone (though literary and cultural references will remind the reader this is from an earlier time), from many of the issues dealt with, to the fresh psychologizing and theologizing. It does seem pitched for a younger audience but is still demanding in its logic and doxologies. Augustine’s humanity and brilliance is on full display.

[Patty Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprising read pertinent to modern times.

Ever since I was a child I had heard of St. Augustine. My preconceived notions of this antiquated book couldn’t have been more wrong. I think it really helped to have this translation provided by Mr. O’Rourke.
I found myself inspired by Augustine’s inner struggles with social and work advancement - as well as his blatant promiscuity. He grows to recognize how his dedication to a religious sect is nothing but deception and untruth.
His search for why God would allow sin as well as his search for the definition of what “free will” is made a big impact me. As with many in my profession (medicine), he uses intellect as the primary search tool for Jesus - realizing ultimately the discovery comes by faith alone. The words written for his mother Monica are a sweet testimony of the immortal influence that loving Christian mothers have on their sons.

[John Tilinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very special book about our gracious God, who seeks us even though we wander far from him. His grace is so special that he even uses our wickedness and brokenness to draw us to himself so that we may find rest in him. I believe every Christian should read Confessions in a translation they understand.

This translation was simple and the formatting allowed me to digest some of the complex arguments and ideas easily. I was able to use the text to explain Augustine’s ideas about sin, grace, redemption and God’s love to my high school students, and they appreciated the translation.

I also think mothers may wish to pay special attention to Monica, Augustine’s mum. There are some controversial aspects that one would expect from a work of this vintage. However, there are some encouraging and touching sections on topics such as breastfeeding, motherly prayer and the final moments of a godly woman who had hope in things to come.

[Karoline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This translation includes only the first nine books of the Confessions, which cover almost all of Augustine's spiritual journey. I wish Books 10-13 were also included, but they are generally considered difficult, tangential, and even extraneous. I disagree, but I'm in the minority, so most readers will not miss the final four books.

This translation is exquisitely readable. The layout is poetic, which helps my eye and ear catch the constant language of prayer, the constant employment of Psalms, and even the repeated references to Virgil's Aeneid. I didn't read it alongside the Latin, but it seems to be translated quite fairly - with a slightly contemporary flavor, but much beauty and no loss of dignity.

Highly recommend this edition if your main interests are the literary and spiritual shape of Augustine's journey! It would also make an excellent first approach for anyone who feels intimidated.

[Cole Cherian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got through it cover-to-cover, although only after I took a course with this book as its sole focus. St. Augustine’s story has been deeply personal and meaningful to my growth as a brother, learner, and servant for a long time. Now, his Confessions is one of the most meaningful books I have ever read. Augustine’s upbringing, struggles, questions, fears, and hopes are deeply relatable. His self-knowledge and vulnerability are admirable. His poetic ability is beautiful. Keep in mind that this book invites more questions than it does answers. That said, pick up and read!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good translation

[Kensy Joseph sj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, easily-readable translation that is true to the heartfelt spirit of the original Latin

[Louis Earle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and insightful insight into the Catholic faith.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

tiny booklet that summarize St. Augustine's Life with quotes taken from the Saint's famous Confessions. This is a good fast read but in no way replaces the original work.