READER'S GUIDE

 


RESOURCES

 

 


Augustine's Confessions

A Guide for Beginners
 

 
   
 

Welcome to the Confessions

Augustine's Confessions is considered one of the classic works of Western literature and spirituality.  For over 1500 years the work has served as a model of the spiritual life for Christians of all denominations.   This on-line guide has been created as a resources for those with little or no philosophical and theological background who would like to attempt to read the work on their own.

 

Reading the Confessions

Although at first glance the Confessions might seem to be a fairly straightforward account of Augustine's life, struggles and ultimate conversion, the work, in fact, is actually quite complex.  Augustine uses his own life as a microcosm for the life of all human beings, and frequently couches rather difficult philosophical and theological ideas in deceptively simple language.   Just read the commentary (to your left) before you attempt to read the text itself, and you should have no trouble understanding the Confessions.

 

 

Additional Information

Student's interested in additional information on St. Augustine should explore the Augustine Page of the Sophia Project.  This page provides links to some of the best web sites on Augustine's life and thought.  For your convenience, a bibliography of basic books on Augustine's thought has also been included.

 

   

A Caveat

These notes on the Confessions represent one man's interpretation of a great text.  Feel free to criticize this interpretation to your heart's content.  For more information or to express your vehement disapprobation, contact Dr. Michael S. Russo of the Molloy College Department of Philosophy.