Augustine and the Catechumenate

by William Harmless SJ

St. Augustine is best known as a theologian whose views and controversies powerfully shaped the course of Christianity in the West. But he was also a struggling North African pastor who had a flair for teaching and who meditated deeply on the complexities of the human heart. This study examines a little-known side of his work as a teacher of candidates for baptism. It reconstructs in vivid detail the experience of the ancient catechumenate for the better clarification and implementation of the present process. Beginning with a look at the present rite - what it says and does not say about catechesis and the catechumenate - Father Harmless uses Augustine as a case study." Augustine's treatises on the subject and his numerous sermons to candidates, catechumens, and neophytes form the basis of a portrait of the initiation process from a pastoral as well as a theological perspective. The portrait's structure parallels the four periods of the initiation process. This portrait will be of interest and relevance to al those involved with the Order of Christian Initiation of pastors, DREs, catechists, and liturgists. William Harmless, SJ, has focused his teaching on the history and theology of the early Church. He completed his doctorate at Boston College in 1990 and teaches at Spring Hill College in Mobile.

Genres: Theology, Church History

424 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.