Review of The Confessions by St. Augustine

Over the past few months I have been wading through St. Augustine's Confessions.  The story of one of the great theologians in the history of the church and how he came to that point are all in there.  Here's my take; 

Overview

The book is considered the first autobiography in the Western world.  It's a Christian classic that stands the test of time.  One unique attribute of the book is its audience.  Augustine writes this work as a confessional to His Heavenly Father.  It is addressed to God, and as such Augustine confesses sin, his awe of God, and need for the one true God in his life.  The book begins at the time of Augustine's birth as even then Augustine points out ways in which God was blessing him, particularly the love of his believing mother.  Augustine marches through his childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood all the while pointing out his sin, and rejection of Christianity.  Augustine shows himself to be lost, without hope, but enjoying the sin he committed all the while.  In book XII, Augustine reveals his miraculous conversion at the words of a little girl and the book of Romans.  Augustine concludes with his reflections on God's sovereignty over the world and love for mankind.  

Positive Aspects

• The precision with which Augustine not only remembers specific events, but also God's working through them is utterly astonishing and should challenge all readers to look at the workings of one's life in their context and seeing how God is using each instance to conform us to the image of Christ.  His high view of God, and His sovereignty is clearly in view in this work.
• Augustine truly bears his soul in the pages of his Confessions.  He is open and honest about his sin, such as his fornication, even having a child out of wedlock.  Sometimes I wish we all could be that open about our sin, it certainly would give us  a greater understanding of  how Amazing God's grace truly is.
• Augustine is truly indebted to his mother Monica, who prayed countless times for his conversion.  Without her ministry to him, it is doubtful that he would have become the great theologian and pastor that he became.  God usually uses people in our lives to bring us to Him and  conform us to what He wants.  Its funny to me that this woman may have seemed insignificant to her neighbors, but through her ministry to her son and his ministry in the church she had a tremendous impact on millions.

Negative Aspects

• The language of the book is not exactly in modern English.  The translation of the book leaves a reader needing to concentrate on Augustine's argument through the entirety of the book.  I found myself day dreaming while reading, especially  in the last two chapters.  
• The reader should probably have some foundational level of understanding of the timeframe Augustine wrote and the major foes of Christianity in North Africa during that time.  The version I read provided the basic understanding of a Manichee and other facts that were necessary to understand if the reader is to fully comprehend Augustine's background.
• The historical context is also essential to remember when you are looking for theological lingo.  Augustine discussed similar subjects that we do, but uses different wording for them.  Also, Augustine's conversion is not necessarily a "free grace" worded conversion.  Its important for us to be generous in our judgements on this, and to remember that wasn't an issue at that time.

Final Analysis

In conclusion, the book was a wonderful read.  I walked away challenged to be more aware of God's blessings in my life, and thanking Him for them.  I also have felt convicted about my own pride, in thinking I am better than I really am and trying to analyze my motives, etc. and confessing those impure one's to God.  I also think its essential for us to acknowledge the influence that Monica had simply by ministering to her son.  Ministry takes place first in the home (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).  We as parents should be laboring in prayer for our children.  I would encourage  you to read this book, be aware that the language can at times be difficult to wade through, but many of the issues and questions Augustine addresses our culture is still seeking answers to.  Its marvelous book written by a wonderful man about an Awesome God.

To live  is Christ,

Jay

Where to go from here...

I'm sure most blogs will be focusing today on the election and the historic win of Barack Obama so I decided to join in the fun!  Over the past few months the election has dominated television, radio, and the printed newspaper.  It seems that over the past few weeks conservatives have seen the inevitable, that there candidate John McCain would lose.  And now while they wallow through depressed feelings and try to decide whether to head to Mexico or Canada I wanted to mention  a few of my own observations about the election;

1. I found it absolutely incredible to watch Obama's speech last night and see the jubilation on the faces of his supporters as they listened to him.  I saw tears, laughter, jumping in joyful celebration, and loud roars and applause.  Like him or not, Barack Obama inspires hope and excitement in millions of people.  I am interested to see if Change does take place in Washington.  I hope for his sake and ours that the parties can come together and fix some of the problems our country is currently facing.  

2. I don't think Obama is a bad man, a Socialist, or a  Muslim as some suggest.  I think Barack Obama is a fallen man, just like John McCain who desperately needs our prayers and support.  This past sunday the pastor at the church I attended (I was out of town, so this wasn't J.B.) spoke about respecting whatever man won this office.  How do we as Christians respect and honor a man that we  disagree with on so many issues? I see the historical context of Scripture as profound and challenging.  Think of the rulers when Paul wrote to respect those in authority over you (Romans 13)?  There was widespread persecution against the Christians and yet Paul commands them to respect their authorities?  Or what about Peter's command to honor the king (1 Peter 2).   Peter was writing at the same time Nero was ruling over the Roman Empire.  The same man that later used Christians as street torch lamps in Rome was supposed to be honored and respected?? Obama is a far far cry from Nero, yet the command is still the same for us today.  Responses like complaining, bad-mouthing our rulers or the situation reveals a lack of trust in God's sovereign plan.  We would all say that God is in control of the situation, so who would say that God can't mightily use Obama for good rather than evil? Not me. Let God's will be done.

3. As with every political campaign season whether presidential or not, I am reminded why I am apathetic with all things political; because in my soul I long for a monarchy.  That's right I long for a king who will rule in righteousness and justice.  Obama and McCain, Bush, Gore, Clinton, the name makes no difference they have and will continue to mess up because they are mess ups and I am a mess up.  I am hopeful that America will become a greater country, but frankly I'm pessimistic of that happening.  I'm pessimistic of any government ruled by sinful men of ever becoming great.  When Jesus Christ comes to rule in His Millennial Kingdom on this Earth, that will be greatness, a government that will bring Change.  That's why we should pray as Christ taught his disciples, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)  

Over the last eight years President Bush has been open about his faith and relationship with Jesus, and we as Christians seemed to respect him and urge one another to pray for him, that God would give him guidance in the decisions he makes.  In I Timothy 2, Paul says, "First of all then I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority."  Lets be faithful to do that for Obama, no matter his race, party affiliation, or religion, knowing that He needs God's guidance now more than ever... 

To live is Christ,

Jay Felker