-
Essay / Analysis of the Confessions of Saint Augustine of Hippo
Augustine grew and matured over time, similar to his comparison of the maturation of believers and the meaning of the Bible: "The Bible was composed in such a way that 'as the beginners mature, its meaning grows with them' (Confessions). When Augustine meets the eloquent bishop Ambrose, he knows he has found his vocation; however, he waits until he can fully immerse himself in the faith to become one with it. Augustine found a faith that answered his questions and gave him hope that he could quell his temptations; however, he awaited one final push, which soon came, seemingly from a God in disguise. Augustine, in a moment of great despair, heard the voice of a child repeatedly saying, “Take it and read it,” and in a moment of clarity, he picked up a nearby book that said, “Let us behave.” we decently, like during the day. , not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissensions and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Confessions) (Roman 13). From that moment on, Augustine devoted himself to the Church in everything he did. Augustine soon converted to Catholicism and in time became a leader in the Church as a priest and then bishop. Augustine's extreme intellect and dedication to accurate biblical teachings enabled him to teach and follow the Bible and God's wishes; Augustine preached on the importance of total commitment to the faith: “If you believe what you like in the gospels and reject what you do not like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but to yourself” (Saint Augustine). Augustine dedicated his adult life to preaching the word of God, as he diligently followed every aspect of the Bible. A saint is a person who is religiously loved because of his virtue: Augustine's ability not only to abandon all temptations, but also to devote himself fully to the Church is