lingfish7's review against another edition
4.0
Although this book is a classic, and definitely worth the read, I’ve determined that Augustine is like a four year old: he incessantly asks questions he doesn’t have the mind to know the answers to. This is how humans are with God, and I’m all for being inquisitive, but sometimes I felt like he asked too inconsequential, detailed questions that made him spin around in circles agonizing over the meaning of “time” and what God really meant when He said “God made heaven and earth.” We’re talking pages of verbosity that really didn’t end up with any conclusive statements. If you’re like me, and you prefer organized, thesis driven, research papers that are concise, this book probably isn’t for you. But if you want a challenging read that is authentic, written 1500 years ago, and unique in its writing style, then you’re up for an adventure!
I honestly could have done without the last 100 pages. If the book stopped before the last 100 pages of endless questions about the nuances of the meaning of random passages of Scripture, I think I would have been a lot more sane. Instead, I found myself beating my head against the wall to finish the book while wanting so desperately to travel back in time and tell Augustine, “Dude, you just don’t know, okay? Ask God all of these questions when you’re in heaven, but please don’t write them down in a book for readers in the 21st century to tediously read through every detail of your incessant questions. Now can you get back to the confessions part of the book?” But alas, perhaps God is teaching me patience and endurance in pushing through all of Augustine’s timeless book.
I actually was decently surprised how timeless the first 3/4 of the book was. Yes, there are very clear differences between the 21st century and the 4th century, but overall you can see how mankind in essence hasn’t changed. Men are still tempted by the same things. Conversions to Christ happen in the same way: death to life epiphanies of men turning from sin and coming to the Light. Families are still dysfunctional and mother-son relationships are similar. Although mankind has “progressed” in the last 1500 years, mankind in its core soul has not. And I found that to be truly fascinating and comforting. God is at work regardless of which century, and it’s very clear how He actively pursued Augustine from sinner to saint and it was beautiful to witness.
One last note: reading the first half really did increase my love and zeal for the word of God. Augustine used so many verses from the old testament to the new in his writings and confessions, which really showed me how much emphasis he placed on the treasure that scripture is. Reading this book made me want to read my bible more, and that in and of itself was worth the challenging read.
I honestly could have done without the last 100 pages. If the book stopped before the last 100 pages of endless questions about the nuances of the meaning of random passages of Scripture, I think I would have been a lot more sane. Instead, I found myself beating my head against the wall to finish the book while wanting so desperately to travel back in time and tell Augustine, “Dude, you just don’t know, okay? Ask God all of these questions when you’re in heaven, but please don’t write them down in a book for readers in the 21st century to tediously read through every detail of your incessant questions. Now can you get back to the confessions part of the book?” But alas, perhaps God is teaching me patience and endurance in pushing through all of Augustine’s timeless book.
I actually was decently surprised how timeless the first 3/4 of the book was. Yes, there are very clear differences between the 21st century and the 4th century, but overall you can see how mankind in essence hasn’t changed. Men are still tempted by the same things. Conversions to Christ happen in the same way: death to life epiphanies of men turning from sin and coming to the Light. Families are still dysfunctional and mother-son relationships are similar. Although mankind has “progressed” in the last 1500 years, mankind in its core soul has not. And I found that to be truly fascinating and comforting. God is at work regardless of which century, and it’s very clear how He actively pursued Augustine from sinner to saint and it was beautiful to witness.
One last note: reading the first half really did increase my love and zeal for the word of God. Augustine used so many verses from the old testament to the new in his writings and confessions, which really showed me how much emphasis he placed on the treasure that scripture is. Reading this book made me want to read my bible more, and that in and of itself was worth the challenging read.
fauxpunk's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this more than I was expecting to, and it really grew on me the more I read it. Augustine writes absolutely beautifully; there were often times where I would stop to re-read a sentence. His theology is compelling, and his exegesis of Genesis toward the end of the book is intelligent and a delight to read. He never seems like he's talking down to you, but it isn't hard to grasp either. His passion and devotion are moving and even inspiring. It's a book that will make you think, even if you come to the conclusion that you disagree with everything he said. Honestly, I could continue to gush forever, but I'll just say that this book is beautiful, no matter what your religion.
valtimke's review against another edition
4.0
I have a complicated relationship with this crazy old man. On the one hand, his ideas are fascinating and well written. On the other hand, I have a lot of issues with those same ideas. What I love about this book, though, is how it has more questions than answers. And Saint Augustine really does defy the image of "perfect saint." I suppose there isn't much more to say other than this book is timeless, though-provoking, and insane.
I have no other way to describe the mind that produced this than that word: insane.
I have no other way to describe the mind that produced this than that word: insane.
thegeeked1's review
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Enchanting story and encourages one to better oneself, but the philosophy bogs down the pacing of the later books.
didi0014's review
reflective
slow-paced
2.0
I could not get into this one and struggled to just concentrate on what was being said.
joyride's review
My final essay on this book...I did it for the man not the saint.
cynthialu's review against another edition
3.0
a pog read that was surprisingly pretty interesting! an exploration of life that frames mundane events in—dare i say—a fun way. a *very* dense but satisfying read
joshmillernj's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a difficult read for me. Yes, it had what I consider some choice morsels but much of the book was hard to follow. Was it because it was written in AD 401? I'm not for certain. The English is definitely at a higher level than most reading today, but it was still hard to get through. However, there were two positive takeaways that I had:
1. Augustine addressed God directly as these are his 'Confessions.' There is definitely an intimacy about this that you do not find in many Christian books today. Most Christian books are "about" God, not to God. This reminds me of many of the songs we sing in our churches. Many of them are about God, but few are sung directly to God. One of the reasons the book of Psalms is such an endearing book is the raw intimacy of the author and his communion with God. We can relate to those words. Augustine really did pour out his heart to God in this book.
2. The use Scripture interwoven throughout the book is astounding! Remember - this was written before someone had thought of assigning chapters and verses to the various books of the Bible. After reading this book, I felt like I have read much more of the Bible! And he did this often without referencing the author. I really did enjoy his seamless infusion of the Word in his word. I need to do much more of the same in my life.
I will end this review with one of the twenty-eight portions that I highlighted in the book:
"For Thy omnipotency is not far from us, even when we be far from Thee."
1. Augustine addressed God directly as these are his 'Confessions.' There is definitely an intimacy about this that you do not find in many Christian books today. Most Christian books are "about" God, not to God. This reminds me of many of the songs we sing in our churches. Many of them are about God, but few are sung directly to God. One of the reasons the book of Psalms is such an endearing book is the raw intimacy of the author and his communion with God. We can relate to those words. Augustine really did pour out his heart to God in this book.
2. The use Scripture interwoven throughout the book is astounding! Remember - this was written before someone had thought of assigning chapters and verses to the various books of the Bible. After reading this book, I felt like I have read much more of the Bible! And he did this often without referencing the author. I really did enjoy his seamless infusion of the Word in his word. I need to do much more of the same in my life.
I will end this review with one of the twenty-eight portions that I highlighted in the book:
"For Thy omnipotency is not far from us, even when we be far from Thee."