The Confessions of St. Augustine: Original Classics and Annotated

by Augustine of Hippo

Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis, in English Augustine of Hippo, also known as St. Augustine, St. Austin, was bishop of Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba, Algeria). He was a Latin philosopher and theologian from the Africa Province of the Roman Empire and is generally considered as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all times.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Religion, Christianity, Classics

Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2022

About the author

Early church father and philosopher Saint Augustine served from 396 as the bishop of Hippo in present-day Algeria and through such writings as the autobiographical Confessions in 397 and the voluminous City of God from 413 to 426 profoundly influenced Christianity, argued against Manichaeism and Donatism, and helped to establish the doctrine of original sin.

An Augustinian follows the principles and doctrines of Saint Augustine.

People also know Aurelius Augustinus in English of Regius (Annaba). From the Africa province of the Roman Empire, people generally consider this Latin theologian of the greatest thinkers of all times. He very developed the west. According to Jerome, a contemporary, Augustine renewed "the ancient Faith."

The Neo-Platonism of Plotinus afterward heavily weighed his years. After conversion and his baptism in 387, Augustine developed his own approach to theology and accommodated a variety of methods and different perspectives. He believed in the indispensable grace to human freedom and framed the concept of just war. When the Western Roman Empire started to disintegrate from the material earth, Augustine developed the concept of the distinct Catholic spirituality in a book of the same name. He thought the medieval worldview. Augustine closely identified with the community that worshiped the Trinity. The Catholics and the Anglican communion revere this preeminent doctor. Many Protestants, especially Calvinists, consider his due teaching on salvation and divine grace of the theology of the Reformation. The Eastern Orthodox also consider him. He carries the additional title of blessed. The Orthodox call him "Blessed Augustine" or "Saint Augustine the Blessed."

Santo Agostinho

Reviews

[Rachel Mayes Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is astonishing how relevant, lucid, and just all-around edifying this book is. Although Augustine does love to get into the metaphysical weeds at times, his philosophical and spiritual meditations are so beautifully expressed, and his account of his early life and conversion is masterful. I listened to the free version of this on Spotify, but I definitely want a hard copy to add to my library. Everybody should read this book.

[Grant Carter]

First 2/3rds is amazing. In the last part, Augustine turns into William Faulkner in The Sound and the Fury.

[Ebony and Ivory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me like 4 months to read but it was worth every moment. A highly enriching read that (despite it's more difficult passages) makes a saint real and personable to you. Of course, St. Augustine was way smarter than I'll ever be, but it's nice to dig deep into his story and see that he definitely wasn't perfect (and was relatable at times). It was super interesting to see the transition from his reflections on his life from his present self to the contemplation of the deep theological, philosophical, and psychological questions he was asking "now". Truly a faith journey that he took us on without trying to hide the reality of his life, doubts, and mistakes.

I wouldn't recommend this if you're new to the faith, but if you are interested in deeper faith topics (especially concerning philosophy), a saint autobiography about one of the Church fathers (fun fact: this was the first Western writing resembling the modern autobiography), or both, please give this a read. (If you're not ready for the philosophy, you can also just read the autobiographical section as well).

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a challenge to read. I've only read pieces of it in the past. This time, I read the whole book. Wow! We've come a long way from such a "thinker" society. I both loved and hated how Augustine dove into every little detail to dig out the truth of a matter. I disagreed with him on some points, but he was definitely a thorough teacher. I also liked how the long, drawn-out logic statements made me rethink being in such a rush to get nowhere. Slow and steady really does win the race.
If you're looking for a challenging book which will encourage you to stop and think, this might be a good choice.

[slowmokim · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Một trong những gương mẫu của mẹ tôi là việc mẹ sử dụng lời nói chỉ để mang lại bình an … Quy luật của mẹ tôi là chỉ nói với người khác điều chỉ có thể làm cho hai người ghét nhau giải hoà.
Đây là một nhân đức nhỏ. Hầu hết người ta trong những trường hợp ấy đều vì hậu quả của bản tính con người sa ngã thường có khuynh hướng nói đến những điều xấu xa nhất.”

Con đường Thánh Augustine tìm về Chúa cũng đâu có khác gì ngày nay chúng ta đang phủ nhận sự hiện diện của Chúa đâu. Tư tưởng triết lý những năm 400 vẫn giá trị đến tận bây giờ.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come get your Augustinian Pears, while you hear how a man groped through the darkness of selfishness, sins and stealing his neighbors pears (one whole chapter), love, loss, and many other lessons on the way to discovering God Who was never far from him.

[Ryan Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I managed 305 pages of Saint Augustine's Confessions (Penguin Classics) As it's 346 pages long, I consider this to be about 50 pages too long and the last 'book' within this collection is either superfluous or I got bored. That said, this book is rather good and offers a profound exploration of faith, self-reflection, and redemption. In times of modern day malaise in this obviously godless world we live in, Augustine’s candid, introspective narrative of his spiritual journey blends philosophy and theology, making it quite a charming read and one that offers hope, even if your atheism is still apparent.

[Riza Kantirakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his writings, St Augustine shows that growing in his faith and devotion was not linear. He was nowhere near perfection. He made mistakes (BIG ONES). He was human. In today's age, when we might feel that sainthood is unattainable, remembering the life of St. Ausugtine may help fortify ourselves.

St. Augustine, pray for us.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this very quickly and college and wanted to revisit this book as an adult. Learning that Pope Leo is an Augustine I wanted to learn more about this. I think I would have gotten more out of it had I done a traditional format over audio.

How did this book find me? Pope Leo and this is available until October 7 on Audible+ catalog.

[Justina Berube · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful, powerful relation of Augustine's conversion. described so anyone can relate and see themselves in his life. after book nine it does start to get quite heavy with metaphysics and scrupulosity which borders on just silliness and not true Catholicism, but these are just his musings that weren't meant to be published so I can't be too mad. overall very good

[Branson Stoddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise God for this most edifying work of literature! St. Augustine breaths scripture as he writes and a follower of Christ cannot help but feels as though it is he himself praying and confessing these prayers!

[rachel✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

my nigga had normal sexual urges as a teenager and thought he was damned to hellfire and brimstone.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took awhile to get into it... A few sections are filled with wordplay and a few moments where reading it feels like a short obstacle course for the mind...

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars! This was not an easy read! Some parts were phenomenal, insightful, and beautiful. Some were really hard to contemplate and understand. I would still highly recommend it. I have highlighted quite a bit for future reference and mediation.

[Barbara W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during my masters studies and did a dissertation based on how his writings influenced Francesco Petrarca and his book My Secret.

[Ryan Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Struggled with the last third. It became wordier as I went and was hard to follow at times. Excellent read though and I highly recommend it.

[Daunte Gaiter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t think these were actual confessions

[Blake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Augustine’s Confessions is comprised of thirteen books written “…to excite men’s minds and affections toward Him.” To this goal, Augustine recounts his pilgrimage of lifelong grace, acknowledging the depth of his rebellion and sin, his repulsion to truth, and his lack of love for his Creator. Augustine records being entrenched in the “tedious fables of the Manicheans,” his bout with Neoplatonism, his incessant pride, the influence of friends, and his admiration of influential men based upon the judgment of others rather than God. He documents his fears, his enslavement to lust, and the result of his mother’s faithful prayers for his salvation, answered when he picked up the book and read it. He probes the mysteries of life, the mind, and the self, ending with internal dialogue regarding creation, time, and the eternal God in light of time.

Strengths include Augustine’s humble candor regarding his utter lostness, and his high view of God and His attributes, extolled by a humble heart that found its rest in Him.

Weaknesses would be the allegorizing of Scripture leading to confusion regarding the creation, as well as doctrinal confusion related to baptism, regeneration, and forgiveness of sins.

Biblical Counselors, could use this book to encourage a life of humility, a high view of God, an understanding of the perplexity of the enslavement of sin, and the beauty of a transformed life in Christ.

[Emily Henseler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this too many times now, but will never be tired of this.
Thank You, Jesus for the gift of St. Augustine and his vulnerability and love for You