Sunday, August 25, 2013

Augustine of Hippo August 25th - This Week in Christian History for the week of August 25-31, 2013


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.

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It is also available to order now or shortly from anywhere that sells books. It is a creative nonfiction collection of biographies of Martin Luther, Francis of Assisi, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and Thomas Becket. Come, tame a wolf, flee from the wrath of the king, feel the horror of impending doom on a ship, and the uncertainty of one’s own salvation with these great heroes of the faith. I have excepts of the book on my website williamdeanhamilton.net
Thank you for reading.

 

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