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dullshimmer's review against another edition
3.0
The Confessions of St. Augustine is an interesting book. It is also interesting in that it feels more like two books than one. The first half is focused on Augustine's past and his path toward faith. This half of the book is very interesting and you see an Augustine who struggles to find his place in the world and a firm grounding for his faith. His mother is rooted in the Catholic faith, but Augustine goes a different direction and winds up in Manichaeism. However, he becomes more convinced that this view is not the truth and eventually finds his way back to the Catholic church. It's an interesting tale, and he's not so much writing about himself as he is writing to God. So unlike what we may expect this is not full of details of every aspect of his life or anything like that.
The second half or so of the book (really probably the last third or so), Augustine transitions into more theology than reflection on his life and faith. This part is much less enjoyable. Wondering about creation and time and looking at the creation narratives in Genesis. This just wound up being somewhat jarring compared to the earlier parts of the book. Not to mention it's all a little speculative and not the easiest to understand. This part definitely detracted from the book as a whole.
The focus of Augustine on his life and coming to faith is an interesting look at both Augustine's journey, but also the culture of the time. If he would have finished before the last few chapters I would probably have rated it higher. However, since the last section isn't nearly as enjoyable as the first part I think it brings the book down a bit.
The second half or so of the book (really probably the last third or so), Augustine transitions into more theology than reflection on his life and faith. This part is much less enjoyable. Wondering about creation and time and looking at the creation narratives in Genesis. This just wound up being somewhat jarring compared to the earlier parts of the book. Not to mention it's all a little speculative and not the easiest to understand. This part definitely detracted from the book as a whole.
The focus of Augustine on his life and coming to faith is an interesting look at both Augustine's journey, but also the culture of the time. If he would have finished before the last few chapters I would probably have rated it higher. However, since the last section isn't nearly as enjoyable as the first part I think it brings the book down a bit.
malpa222's review against another edition
TL;DR: This book almost turned me Christian so I had to drop it; not yet, this is not the right moment. Overall, really good reading, I recommend this book to anyone undergoing an existentional crisis.
Have you ever felt God? Have you ever thought that there must be some force behind everything but you are not sure what it is? Have you ever thought to yourself: "I know that I can believe.. I'm just not sure if this is the right moment"? Augustine had the same thoughts throughout his life filled with pleasure and the feeling of being lost. He was always looking for God, yet at the same time he was straying away from him.
He wrote this book later in life, as a man of faith, philosopher and theologist (however these two are interwoven in his works). Looking back at all of his previous mistakes, he tells you about his life of seeking the truth, something to lean on. He needed faith, to give him guidance in life that was filled with wordly pleasures. Maybe this is why I relate to the book so much. I had to drop reading it, because I know that I am not able to understand faith just yet. Faith is a commitment, and thats the mystery and the most beautiful thing about it. Don't read it, thinking this is some Christian propaganda; while he was Christian, the theme of faith can be looked at from much bigger perspective. Augustine realized that faith is commitment, which was a defining moment of his life; "Confessions" is a story about that.
Have you ever felt God? Have you ever thought that there must be some force behind everything but you are not sure what it is? Have you ever thought to yourself: "I know that I can believe.. I'm just not sure if this is the right moment"? Augustine had the same thoughts throughout his life filled with pleasure and the feeling of being lost. He was always looking for God, yet at the same time he was straying away from him.
He wrote this book later in life, as a man of faith, philosopher and theologist (however these two are interwoven in his works). Looking back at all of his previous mistakes, he tells you about his life of seeking the truth, something to lean on. He needed faith, to give him guidance in life that was filled with wordly pleasures. Maybe this is why I relate to the book so much. I had to drop reading it, because I know that I am not able to understand faith just yet. Faith is a commitment, and thats the mystery and the most beautiful thing about it. Don't read it, thinking this is some Christian propaganda; while he was Christian, the theme of faith can be looked at from much bigger perspective. Augustine realized that faith is commitment, which was a defining moment of his life; "Confessions" is a story about that.
sarahdeeney's review
5.0
In love with him as if I know him, as if we grew up on the same street - "friendship" if it were a book, basically
joseduque1996's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.25
lauracohran's review
4.0
Started in 2020 and just now finished...some parts were compelling, while some dragged. Glad I've read it, and will re-visit certain parts.
macliffe's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
St. Augustine is officially my favorite saint and church father. He is so honest and human in these confessions but also so eloquent and thoughtful. I annotated almost every page because every page held a gem of wisdom. The autobiography part was certainly more enjoyable and the last three books were difficult at times, but even reading these I was always amazed at the depths his mind plumbed to and the insights he could offer.
On a side note, St. Monica was forbidden from drinking WATER as a child to hopefully curb her from becoming an alcoholic later?? I’m sorry but I’m pretty sure that’s child abuse.
On a side note, St. Monica was forbidden from drinking WATER as a child to hopefully curb her from becoming an alcoholic later?? I’m sorry but I’m pretty sure that’s child abuse.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Toxic relationship, and Grief
elisabeth7291's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not going to lie- this is not an easy read. Take a look at my start-finish dates and you can see. I ended up reading it slowly a few pages at a time as part of my morning QT. Some parts were mind numbingly redundant and/or esoteric. Others were arrestingly intimate and transcendent of time and place. For those who want a taste but maybe don't want to endure the whole read, read just Book 13 & skim some of the first couple of books.