Stacy’s Reviews > Confessions > Status Update

A servant causes dehydration, oddly, not allowing the child Monica to drink even water. She developed a like for wine.
Monica was a good woman all around, leading her husband to faith. Her death is a blow to Augustine. He is determined not to grove which he thinks may be sin (?)
Ultimately he knows her presence in Heaven is not because she has no debt to pay for sin, but that her debt has been paid by Christ.

Book IX His friend is saved before death and Augustine wrestles with his own forgiveness ultimately being baptized. His son begins to play a part. The belief in relics holding healing powers is discussed - I am left wondering why would Hid create such an opportunity for idol worship by allowing miracles by touching the platform in which the body of a Saint lay?

Book VIII Augustine seeks wisdom to live a godly life & is convicted by the conversion of others (both those witnessed & heard about). The social psychology of salvation (the greater joy felt when someone very lost or very famous is converted). Wrestling with the desire to do God’s will versus the desire to maintain bad habits. Finally his mother is overjoyed to hear the news that he is converted!

Book VIII Augustine works through his understanding of God’s essence, the problem of evil, and is faced with humility.

Book IV shows the danger of friendships as idols and God as alone worthy of praise.
Book V Manicheanism is false, he decides, and God leads him to Ambrose, who leads him to God.
Book VI Augustine tries to determine how we can be certain of anything while engaging in relationships with two mistresses and having an illegitimate son. His salvation and sanctification are a slow work.

Book I is praise and adoration as he describes his unbelief. He is a man bright low but delighted to be brought low by the One who alone is worthy of worship.
Book II explores desire to sin and be in the company of sinners. E need to know or Marie to appreciate the salvation given us.
Book III is a survey of what Augustine pursues instead of God to satisfy him, and regrets nine years of sin.