Augustine of Hippo was born in Thagaste Africa as a Roman citizen
on November 13, 354. At age 11 he went to school and became familiar with
philosophy and other Latin literature. His mother raised him a Christian, but
he became a Manichaeist, a popular religion at the time. Augustine moved to
Carthage to continue his education. He sought relationships with women and it
was at this time he said his prayer, “Grant me chastity and continence, but not
yet.”
He began an affair with a woman in Carthage and was with her
for 13 years, and had a son with her. Augustine began to teach at Carthage, but
was disturbed by the behavior of the students there and moved to Rome. After
being disappointment by the students there he secured a position as a professor
of rhetoric at the imperial court. He began to drift towards Christianity, and
his mother arraigned a marriage for him, although the girl was only 11 at the
time. He broke off the engagement before the girl became of age.
Augustine heard a childlike voice which told him to read a
passage from Romans and became saved. He and his son were baptized and he moved
back to his family estate in Africa. His mother passed away on the trip and his
son joined her soon after. Augustine sold all of the estate and gave the money
to the poor. He kept the house where he started a monastery for a group of
friends.
Augustine became a priest and then a bishop. He spent all of
his time trying to convert the people of Hippo, especially those who had
adopted the Manichaeism. Augustine died on
August 25th 430 during a siege of Hippo by the Vandals. The Vandals would
eventually burn the town, except for Augustine’s cathedral and library.
Augustine is most remembered for his books, which were
important in shaping Western philosophy. His “City of God” and “Confessions”
are still popular today. His views on original sin and just war shaped views
for centuries. Even Protestants view him as being theologically important due
to his teachings on grace and salvation.
My new book, would you do what they did great Christian leaders from our past is now available to order from Amazon.com here is the link: Would You Do What They Did? - Great Christian Leaders From Our Past
It is also currently available at Barnes and nobles and should be available to order now or shortly from anywhere that sells books. The book is about Thomas Becket, Martin Luther, John Wesley and Francis of Assisi and is written in creative nonfiction style, I have excepts of the book here on my website williamdeanhamilton.net
Thank you for reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment